The basics of dental hygiene

Do you know, adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than from cavities. At some point in their life, at least three out of every four adults are impacted by gum disease. The best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease and keep them healthy is by following a proper dental care practice that includes daily, proper flossing and brushing.

The major reason for the occurrence of tooth decay and gum disease is plaque, a sticky film that forms on teeth and at the gumline. Plaque forms as a result of the residue of food particles in the mouth and can be removed with a daily and proper at-home oral health regimen. 

At Puffer Dental, our main goal is to help you to keep your teeth and gums healthy so that you can avoid future restorative and cosmetic treatments. The first step to dental health begins at home with good brushing and flossing habits. 

Routine Dental Cleaning and Oral Evaluation

The ADA recommends that adults and children visit the dentist once every six months for teeth cleaning and evaluation. 

In addition to the at-home oral care regimen, regular professional dental cleanings help keep your teeth and gums healthy and identify and prevent dental issues in their earliest stages itself. During your visit to Puffer Dental for your checkups, we will also identify problem areas and offer instruction to help you brush and floss properly. 

During your regular visits to our dental office, our dentists will

• Check for gum disease and cavities.
• Clean plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth 
• Protect your teeth with appropriate treatments.
• Conduct exams to detect lesions and oral tissue inconsistencies, which may be the first warning signs of oral cancer.
• How to maintain oral health at home?

Dental care at home

The first step to have healthy teeth and gums begins at home. Here are the basics everyone should practice:

• Brush at least twice a day: Never skip brushing at least two minutes, twice a day. If you skip brushing, the food particles and residue from sugary drinks can stay on your teeth, creating an opportunity for bacteria to flourish, causing tooth decay and gum disease.
• Floss: Don’t forget to floss at least once a day.  Flossing cleans the surfaces of teeth where brushing alone cannot reach.
• Avoid or limit the intake of sugary foods and drinks: Opt for foods and drinks that are healthier for our teeth. Try to avoid or limit the intake of sugary foods and drinks. 
• Use a fluoride mouthwash:Drinking water containing fluoride and using a fluoride mouthwash or fluoride toothpaste are great extra steps for home care to help keep your teeth free of decay. 

Also, try to identify the early signs of tooth decay and gum disease, and prevent it at the earliest. Symptoms of tooth decay include a persistent toothache, sensitivity to heat or cold, pain on biting, change in tooth color, etc. Gum disease usually develops slowly and often painlessly, making it difficult to identify in the beginning. Maintain proper dental hygiene and never skip your dental visits to identify the dental issues at the earliest and prevent them before getting complicated.

Call us at (936) 564-2439 to book your appointment for your dental checkup and evaluation.