Dental hygiene month is all about highlighting the importance of maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Practicing proper oral hygiene is a great to avoid the development of advanced dental issues. At Russell Street Dental Associates in Worcester, MA, our team of dentists aims to provide patients with individualized, high-quality dental care. At the root of any dental practice, preventive dentistry is key. We encourage patients to practice preventive dental care at home and by scheduling regular visits to our Worcester dentist office.
Importance of Preventive Dental Care
Dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay are preventable dental issues that can be avoided by practicing proper oral hygiene. When you don’t brush your teeth or floss regularly, you are leaving your smile more susceptible to developing complex dental problems. At Russell Street Dental Associates, we recommend that patients visit our dental office at least twice a year to ensure their smile is functional, healthy, and problem free. During your comprehensive exam, we check for signs of dental issues like gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, and tooth decay. If we do find signs of dysfunction, one of our experienced dentists will create a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Maintaining Excellent Oral Hygiene
Developing a proper oral hygiene routine is quite simple. In order to maintain optimal oral hygiene, patients must:
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes a day, twice a day. Simple swishing around for a few seconds doesn’t allow you to receive the full benefits of brushing your teeth. Make sure that you have a toothbrush that works for you; whether you choose a sift, medium, hard, or electric toothbrush. Brushing your teeth helps get rid of debris that can stick to your teeth and cause plaque.
- Floss your teeth every day. Flossing is one of the best ways to protect your teeth against gum disease. By removing debris an bacteria that may be hiding between the teeth, you are lessening your chance of developing cavities, tooth decay, and even gum disease. To reap the full benefits of flossing you want to make sure that you are flossing the correct way. Please feel free to ask anyone of our highly trained dentist at Russell Street Dental Associates.
- Use mouthwash. Combining mouthwash with proper brushing and flossing is a great way to minimize your chance of tooth decay. Look for a mouthwash with an ADA approved seal.
- Chew sugarless gum after meals. Chewing sugarless gums can help wash away harmful bacteria and debris that may be circulating in the mouth. Although chewing gum is not a replacement for brushing and flossing, it can help clean the teeth in the meantime.
Schedule An Appointment
As a trusted family dental practice, we are invested in each patient’s oral health journey. We focus on providing individualized, advanced dental care to each of our patients. We encourage patients to visit Russell Street Dental Associates for their oral health needs. To schedule an appointment, contact our Worcester dentist office.