The Importance Of Dental Care At Home

Taking care of your teeth and gums is important to protect your oral health, but it can also have a positive impact on the rest of your body. Taking care of your teeth includes seeing your dentist on a regular basis and dealing with any issues that come up quickly. The professionals at Dentalcare Associates provide routine checkups and cleanings to keep your smile bright as well as dental services to address any problems that do come up. But you can also work to protect your oral health by including these tasks in your daily routine.

Brushing

Brushing your teeth is the first line of defense to protect your teeth and gums from plaque that can cause cavities and decay. It's recommended to brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day for a full two minutes, but technique is almost as important as time. For the best results, use an electric toothbrush to brush surfaces of the teeth all the way to the gum line. Patients who are susceptible to cavities and plaque build up or who have orthodontia may need to brush after every meal as well.

Flossing

No matter how well you brush, some hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth need extra help. Flossing helps remove plaque from tight spaces, preventing build up that can cause issues like gingivitis and even jaw bone loss in extreme cases. Flossing should be performed daily, preferably before bed, and can be done with either traditional floss or floss picks. 

Rinsing

Rinsing should always be the last step in your at-home dental care routine, but it's also a great idea to rinse after meals when you don't have the time or facilities for a full brushing. Rinsing your mouth out with a dentist-recommended wash removes the last bits of plaque and food particles and protects against bad breath. 

Other Home Dental Care Routine Options

While everyone can benefit from brushing, flossing and rinsing, Dentalcare Associates may also recommend other dental aids specific to your needs. These can range from interdental brushes and rubber tip stimulators to tongue cleaners and irrigation devices.

Schedule Regular Dental Appointments

No matter how well you care for your teeth at home, regular checkups are important. To schedule your next appointment with an experienced dentist and learn more about how you can protect your oral health, contact Dentalcare Associates at 908-322-7800.