Basic Dental Care in Suffern

The elements of good oral hygiene are rarely the topics of conversation, but perhaps they should be. Good dental health is directly correlated to good oral health, so if you want to live a longer, healthier life, you need to have good dental hygiene habits, starting with regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings.

Are you ready to schedule a dental exam and teeth cleaning in Suffern, click here.

What Are the Components of Basic Dental Care?

Your daily oral hygiene routine, at the minimum, should consist of brushing twice daily, flossing at least once daily, using fluoride toothpaste, and getting annual dental visits. These are the minimum, however, and some of the following additional dental hygiene habits can boost your oral hygiene from good to great.

Should I Brush at Least Twice Daily?

The American Dental Association recommends that you brush at least twice each day, and one of those times should be immediately before you go to bed. Don’t consume anything but clear water after you brush for the night.

When you brush, use a circular motion and gentle pressure in a back-and-forth stroke for the most effective cleaning. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with uneven bristles to maximize the coverage of your toothbrush. You should brush each quadrant of your mouth for at least 30 seconds, and it doesn’t matter the order. A quadrant of your mouth is:

● The upper right side of your jaw

● The lower right side of your jaw

● The upper left side of your jaw

● The lower left side of your jaw

This will remove the maximum amount of food particles and bacteria from your teeth and between your gums. Using firm pressure and quick motions won’t clean your teeth better, and it may harm your tooth enamel, so be gentle and go slow for the best results.

If you don’t brush your tongue, this is a good time to start. The rough surface of your tongue can harbor bacteria that brushing and flossing can help to remove. If you have questions about the process, ask your Suffern dentist.

Replace your toothbrush every three months or immediately after you’ve recuperated from being sick. Otherwise, you can become reinfected. If the bristles start to splay or become frayed, replace your toothbrush with one that is correctly sized for your mouth. It doesn’t matter whether your toothbrush needs are in accordance with the package description. If you’re an adult and need a child-sized toothbrush, then buy the one that fits your mouth.

Should I Use Fluoridated Toothpaste?

Most toothpaste now contains fluoride, which is a naturally occurring mineral that has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel and help fight cavities. In addition, most municipalities now fluoridate their water supply but don’t be concerned about having too much fluoride in your body. City water is fluoridated only to the minimum level for health. Also, there are symptoms of over fluoridation, but ask your dentist if you have any questions.

Should I Floss Daily?

Daily flossing should absolutely be part of your oral hygiene regimen. The ADA recommends that you floss at least once daily, which should take place immediately before bedtime so that you don’t have food particles and bacteria lodged on your teeth and gums all night.

It doesn’t matter whether you use traditional floss, floss picks, or a water flosser, the best option is to make sure you floss. Also, make sure that your floss carries the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.

Ready for More Tips on Basic Dental Care?

Mouthwash is another great addition to your good dental health routine. Both non-alcoholic and regular work equally well, and you should use mouthwash at least once each day for best results. Mouthwash can eliminate residual bacteria in your mouth and provide you with fresher breath. The time of day is strictly a personal preference, and you can safely use mouthwash more than once daily.

Another addition to good basic dental care involves your eating habits. Instead of snacking on calorie-dense, nutritionally empty snack foods like chips and candy, consider snacking on nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Their crunchy texture can help clean your teeth, and the increased level of nutrition can benefit your physical health as well. Substitute plain water for sugary sodas and beverages for even more benefit.

Would On-the-Go Tips Be Helpful?

If you spend the majority of your time away from home, it can be helpful to assemble a kit containing small sizes of your favorite dental products. That way, you always have your dental hygiene products available. However, if you can’t brush and floss for some reason, you can rinse your mouth well with plain water to remove a substantial number of bacteria and food particles until you can brush and floss.

What Are Good Prevention Habits?

A significant part of your prevention habits should be scheduling an annual exam and cleaning with your dentist; a semi-annual exam and cleaning is even better. No matter the quality of your oral health routine, your professional dentist can spot small issues before they escalate, so don’t defer your dental visits.

We recommend that all our patients get screened for oral cancer, which is the fastest spreading disease, now accounting for more than three percent of all new cancer cases. Those who smoke and drink are at higher risk. The screening isn’t painful or invasive, and your dentist will screen while they conduct the exam, but an oral cancer screening is arguably one of the most important aspects of your dental health regimen. A dentist who is familiar with your medical and dental history has an advantage in spotting anomalies in your mouth, so don’t delay scheduling an appointment.

Schedule your semi-annual dental exam and cleaning by clicking here!

How Can We Help You?

We know that life is very busy and going to the dentist is usually at the bottom of the list of things to do. However, it should be closer to the top of the list considering all the benefits good oral health provides and its impact on physical health and longevity.

Our Suffern office is one of the best in the area, and we’re sure you’ll be happy with our caring and pleasant staff. Visit our Suffern office today. We look forward to speaking with you and working with you.

If it’s been a while since you had an exam and cleaning, click here to schedule an appointment.