Many of the most effective methods of gum disease prevention usually begin right at home. A diligent routine of thorough brushing, flossing and rinsing with a high-quality mouthwash do wonders. We’ll outline a few key methods covering these three key areas:
Flossing: Removing food stuck in between teeth is the first step, as it gets rid of the bulk of unwanted debris, allowing brushing and rinsing to be effective. There are many types of floss, and your dentist can recommend one that might be preferable. Ensure that all spaces between and around your teeth are considered, especially those hard-to-reach back teeth, where cavities can easily form.
Brushing: Brushing is essential because it removes food remnants and bacteria admixed in our saliva, creating an acidic substance which can eat away at the outer layers of our teeth. Dentists recommend selecting a high-quality fluoride toothpaste which will help to polish the surface enamel, neutralize odors, kill bacteria, and clean the gums, reducing the chance of infection. Ideally, brushing should also be done after meals, or after eating highly acidic, sweet, or brittle foods (such as: soda pop, candies, and popcorn). Brush all four corners of the mouth in a clockwise or counter-clockwise fashion, for 30 seconds or more, ensuring that you brush all surfaces of the teeth, as well as along the gumline. In additon to, don’t fail to §scour your tongue! Many of the latest toothbrushes feature a tongue scrubber on the back of the brush head, for this purpose.
Rinsing: As the final step, rinsing kills much of the remaining bacteria, combats gum disease, soothes the gums, and removes the final residue from teeth which may have escaped flossing and brushing. It also freshens the breath and leaves the mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Discuss to your O.C. Dental Specialists dentist about periodontal disease, treatment or dental implants.
Call O.C. Dental Specialists today at 949-408-0372 or make an appointment online for more convenience.