The Best Ways to Maintain Good Oral Health According to Gerges Dental

Dental practices like Gerges Dental are concerned about their patients’ oral health. Fostering oral health is a process that lasts throughout a patient’s lifetime, from infancy into old age. Patients of all ages have different dental needs, but there are several points that all dental patients and their caregivers should consider. When patients follow these 5 simple steps, they will be able to enhance their oral health and protect their mouth, teeth, and gums from unnecessary damage.

1. Brush Properly
Patients should brush their teeth properly, at least twice per day. Ideally, patients should brush after each meal to remove food particles and plaque that can cause decay and tooth damage. Proper tooth brushing includes brushing for at least 2 minutes, paying equal attention to all areas of the mouth. Many people rush their tooth brushing routine, leaving plaque and contaminants behind.

Use a fluoridated toothpaste to help maintain your enamel. This will help to prevent future cavities.

2. Floss
Another simple technique to enhance oral health is flossing. Many people skip flossing. This can cause serious gum problems including periodontitis. Teeth may become loose or fall out, and gums can become inflamed. Teeth should be flossed once a day, usually in the evening to remove all of the day’s food particles. Patients should use the type of floss that works best for them. Floss that is wrapped around the fingers is the most flexible and can get into the most locations, but premade floss picks are better than not flossing at all. Removing debris between the teeth can prevent decay as well as reducing the risk of gum problems.

3. Use a Proper Mouthwash
Most patients will benefit from the use of a fluoridated mouthwash. Children can use a mouthwash as soon as they can be trusted to rinse without swallowing. A fluoridated mouthwash will help to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. Patients with a lot of plaque may need to use an antibacterial mouthwash. Patients with partial dentures need special mouthwash to preserve their existing teeth and promote freshness of breath.

4. Visit the Dentist Frequently

It is extremely important that everyone see the dentist at least once every 6 months. This is true from the age when the first tooth arrives, well into the elder years. Dentists are able to direct oral care and make sure that the patient is taking the best possible care of their teeth and gums at home. Dentists perform X-rays to check for possible cavities. They can check the mouth for signs of disease as well as check for oral cancers. Dentists are the front line of defense against gum disease and tooth decay, and patients should listen to all of their recommendations and follow them consistently.

Dentists can make sure that teeth are properly aligned for the best possible bite. Teeth that are misaligned can cause discomfort as well as improper wear. Dentists can refer people to an orthodontist in order to correct these alignment problems and promote a healthy mouth.

5. Eat Wisely
Everyone should pay attention to the things they eat and drink. While most people know that candy is bad for the teeth, the truth is more complex than that. Some kinds of candy, especially sticky things and those that are sucked on, can damage the teeth more than other kinds like chocolate. After patients eat any of these items, they should brush their teeth as soon as possible.

Patients should limit their alcohol consumption for the best possible oral health. They should also limit the amount of coffee they drink to avoid tooth staining. Patients should also be very careful with acidic beverages like soda, lemon and lime juice, and sports drinks. All of these drinks can damage the teeth. If you frequently drink acidic beverages, make sure that you use a fluoridated mouthwash to repair some of the damage to your teeth.

Promoting Good Oral Health
These 5 tips from Gerges Dental will help any patient achieve the best possible oral health. These tips are sensible and easy to follow, making it possible for any patient to have good oral health. Patients who have not taken proper care of their teeth throughout the years may notice that they have more problems as they grow older. These patients should definitely visit the dentist to mitigate the effects of damage gained earlier in life. A good dentist will not judge a patient for poor past oral hygiene and will provide solutions toward a healthier life.