Dental Hygiene

What Constitutes Good Oral Health?

Simply put, good oral health is characterized by a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This includes teeth that are clean and free of debris, as well as gums that are pink and do not hurt or bleed while flossing. If your gums do hurt or bleed while you brush or floss, you may be suffering from untreated periodontal (gum) disease. Persistent bad breath is also an indicator.

Teeth that are misaligned or crowded can also result in poor oral health. These teeth can be much more difficult to clean and maintain, leaving you susceptible to many dental problems. For this reason, a straight smile is a crucial part of your oral health. The same is true for your bite. A malocclusion or misaligned bite can lead to problems with your jaw. Problems that affect this area are known as temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMD.

The Importance of Good Dental Hygiene

Taking excellent care of your teeth and gums is not only important for your oral health, but it also keeps your smile bright and beautiful. Beyond that, it keeps harmful bacteria at bay. This bacteria can be found in plaque, a biofilm that constants forms on and around or teeth. If left unchecked plaque buildup will eventually calcify into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. In fact, most instances of tartar can only be removed during a professional cleaning.

The bacteria found in plaque and tartar is the direct cause of the two most common dental problems in the United States: tooth decay and periodontal disease. These bacteria feed off the sugars and other simple carbohydrates we consume. As they feed, the bacteria produce acids that attack the enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Most people know about the effects of tooth decay. Less know about the true dangers of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection that targets the tissues that support your teeth, including the alveolar bone, gingiva, and connective ligaments.

The disease is broken down into two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease. The gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily during brushing and flossing. Luckily, gingivitis is easy to treat and reverse. If the disease is allowed to progress to periodontitis, some of the effects may be irreversible. Periodontitis can cause the underlying bone and surrounding tissues to deteriorate rapidly. We can stop the deterioration with a procedure called scaling and root planing. However, this procedure does not restore damaged tissues.

How Often Should I Brush and Floss?

Removing plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and gums is a constant battle. The general rule of thumb is to brush twice a day for two minutes each, especially before going to bed. Be sure to use an ADA approved soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride. Fluoride is an effective mineral that strengthens your enamel by supplementing the process of remineralization. Flossing is a slightly different story. You only need to clean in between your teeth once a day using floss, preferably at night. We may recommend a floss pick if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Proper Brushing Technique

When you brush your teeth, you should keep in mind why you are doing it. The goal is to remove as much plaque as possible. Plaque is a thin biofilm that constantly forms on and around the teeth. It contains the harmful bacteria that eat away at your enamel and causes tooth decay. By removing the plaque, you are minimizing your chances of developing cavities.

When you brush, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Remember to be gentle, as vigorous brushing can lead to gum irritation. Be sure to get the inside, outside, and top of every tooth using short, back-and-forth strokes. It is important to clean the soft tissues as well, including your tongue and gum line. This will eliminate more bacteria and reduce bad odors.

Proper Flossing Technique

While brushing is an excellent way to remove the majority of plaque, it cannot completely clean in between your teeth. This is where flossing comes into play. Daily flossing is a must as it disrupts the colonies of bacteria that form along the gum line. It also provides physical stimulation to the gum tissues, which prevents gum disease.

To properly floss, dispense about a foot and a half of floss. Next, wrap most of the floss around your middle fingers. Then, use your index fingers to guide the floss gently in between the teeth. Gently move the floss in a back-and-forth motion, while making sure the floss curves around the bottom our your teeth. As you move from tooth to tooth, use a fresh area of the floss. Be sure to avoid using too much force, as this can cause cuts or scrapes.

Professional Cleanings and Regular Checkups

Periodontal disease progresses slowly and silently, meaning that most patients do not know they have periodontal disease until we diagnose them. For this reason, regular dental exams and professional cleanings are vital to your oral health.

During your appointment, Dr. Rifkin will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, throat, and jaws. If we notice any abnormalities we may order X-rays or perform further diagnostic procedures. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums at homes, there may be problems that you cannot see or feel. Like a periodontal disease, many oral health problems do not become visible or cause pain until they progress to advanced stages. Regular appointments allow us to find early signs of disease when they are much more manageable.

Professional cleanings also help us reduce your chances of developing cavities and oral diseases. During your cleaning, our hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth. We will then polish your teeth to restore the sheen of your enamel. You will leave our office with a much brighter, shinier, and healthier smile!

Schedule your appointment today learn more about your oral health in person!