Diligent At-Home Care Is Critical For Great Dental Health

Woman brushing her teeth in front of her bathroom mirror.

At Dental Partners of Boston, we’re dedicated to teaching you how to maintain and care for your mouth while at home.

Each Visit With Us is an Opportunity To Learn

We know that your oral health doesn’t just affect your smile—it can affect your overall health. That’s why each of your visits with us is more than a checkup or procedure—it’s an opportunity to gain new knowledge about and rededicate yourself to great oral hygiene.

Everyone Benefits From Good At-Home Oral Hygiene

Remember that your oral hygiene habits can influence others—especially young children. So make sure you’re setting a good example.

Brush and floss every morning and night, but don’t limit it to that. It’s beneficial to clean your teeth more often—especially after meals and snacks.

At-Home Dental Care Has Many Health Benefits

In addition to helping prevent cavities and gingivitis, and getting rid of harmful plaque, good at-home dental hygiene may also help lower your risk of infection and heart disease, help preserve your memory, and even help improve your self-confidence. Let’s explain.

Preventing Cavities and Gingivitis: Good at-home dental hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, help remove food particles and plaque that can lead to tooth decay (cavities) and gum inflammation (gingivitis). Fluoride toothpaste and proper brushing techniques are essential in maintaining oral health and preventing these common dental issues.

Getting Rid of Harmful Plaque: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, leading to dental problems like cavities and periodontal disease. Effective at-home dental hygiene disrupts plaque formation and reduces the risk of these issues.

Lowering the Risk of Infection and Heart Disease: Poor oral health can lead to infections in the mouth, such as abscesses and periodontal disease. These infections can spread and contribute to systemic conditions. Studies have shown a link between oral health and cardiovascular health, suggesting that the bacteria from periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to inflammation and increasing the risk of heart disease.

Preserving Memory: Emerging research indicates a potential link between poor oral health and cognitive decline. Chronic periodontal disease has been associated with an increased risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene may help reduce this risk by preventing the systemic effects of oral infections.

Improving Self-Confidence: Good oral hygiene contributes to a healthy, attractive smile, which can significantly enhance an individual’s self-esteem and confidence. Fresh breath and a clean, bright smile can positively impact social interactions and personal relationships, contributing to overall well-being.

During Your Visit, We Go Over Techniques And Warning Signs With You

At your routine visits, we talk about and show you proper oral hygiene techniques. We’ll also discuss warning signs you can watch for. If you have a specific condition, such as asthma or diabetes, we can help you understand how it might affect your oral hygiene needs. After all, we’re here to help you and your smile stay healthy. Let’s go over some techniques to properly brush your teeth.

Proper brushing techniques are essential for maintaining good oral health. Here are some recommended techniques to ensure you are brushing your teeth effectively:

Use the Right Toothbrush: Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste helps protect your teeth from decay and strengthens tooth enamel.

Brush for Two Minutes: Brush for at least two minutes, ensuring you spend about 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left).

Proper Brushing Technique:

  • Angle the Brush: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
  • Gentle Strokes: Use gentle, short (tooth-wide) strokes.
  • Circular motion: Use small, gentle circular motions, NOT back-and-forth sawing motions, to clean the surfaces of your teeth.
  • Vertical Position: For the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and use up-and-down strokes.

Brush All Surfaces:

  • Outer Surfaces: Brush the outer surfaces of your upper and lower teeth.
  • Inner Surfaces: Brush the inner surfaces of your upper and lower teeth.
  • Chewing Surfaces: Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

Don’t Forget Your Tongue: Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Be Thorough but Gentle: Avoid brushing too hard, as this can damage your gums and enamel. Gentle brushing is sufficient to remove plaque and food particles.

Use a Timer: Consider using a timer or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer to ensure you brush for the full two minutes.

Rinse Your Toothbrush: Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with water after each use to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris.

Store Your Toothbrush Properly: Store your toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to air dry. Avoid covering it or storing it in a closed container, which can promote bacterial growth.

Incorporating these techniques into your daily oral hygiene routine will help ensure you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also crucial for optimal oral health.

For more information about how to maintain good dental health and a great smile, call one of our dental offices in Boston.

Related Posts