Oral Hygiene and Preventive Care

Many older people and those who are economically disadvantaged seem to be more at risk of having poor oral hygiene. This does not discount the fact that poor oral hygiene could likewise exist in younger adults. However, proper oral hygiene could prevent oral diseases as well as other diseases that affect your overall health.

But what exactly is proper oral hygiene? Besides routine visits to your general dentist, Dr. Tamara Simons in Roseville, MN, consider the following to help you build a proper oral care routine:

Oral Hygiene at Home

Complete oral health is determined not only by the teeth and gums, but the totality of the oral-facial system used in speaking, chewing, and smiling. How can you prevent oral disease through proper oral hygiene at home? The American Dental Association offers the following recommendations:

  • Brushing at a 45-degree angle against your gums using gentle back and forth strokes. Focus on the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Include your tongue when brushing.
  • Hold about 18 inches of floss between your thumbs and forefingers to guide it in a gentle sliding motion between your teeth. Gently slide the floss into a C shape against your tooth as you reach the gum line. Rub the sides of the tooth with an up-and-down motion to loosen plaque.
  • Use antimicrobial mouthwash to rinse to reduce the activity of plaque and bacteria. Mouthwashes with fluoride can help minimize tooth decay.

Time for Your Dental Checkup

While you should visit your general dentist in Roseville, MN, every six months, here are some signs that you should make an appointment sooner rather than later:

  • Swelling of the mouth, neck, or face.
  • Puffy gums that bleed when you floss or brush.
  • Your tooth got knocked out.
  • When you have crowns, fillings, dentures, or dental implants that are causing pain.
  • During the early part of your pregnancy, to ensure that you are free from dental problems.
  • You have difficulty chewing or swallowing food.
  • A consistent feeling of thirst when on medication.
  • There are indications of halitosis from your tobacco consumption.
  • Your jaw pops or causes pain when chewing or waking up in the morning.
  • You have mouth sores and spots.

For More Oral Health and Preventive Care Advice, We Can Help

Call 651-489-1900 to set up a consultation with our general dentist, Dr. Tamara Simons, here in our Roseville, MN, practice.