When it comes to protecting your teeth and the health of your gums, you probably know that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss once a day, use mouthwash as needed and limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks. Couple that with frequent visits to the dentist, like one from dentist hampton nh, and you’re pretty much well on your way to maintaining your pearly whites. However, you should also pay attention to the types of products you use at home to keep your teeth and gums clean. Not all products work for all people. This is why our dentist in Mount Gravatt has developed this list of five products you need to maintain your oral health and help prevent gum disease and cavities.
1. A Good Toothbrush
Maintaining your oral health, avoiding cavities and preventing gum disease starts with a good soft or medium bristle toothbrush. There are two types of toothbrushes, including manual and electric. Manual toothbrushes are great for children, teens and adults who can angle the toothbrush correctly while brushing every surface of their teeth. This means being able to angle the toothbrush at 45 degrees when brushing along the gumline and reaching all the back teeth. If focusing on angling the toothbrush while brushing the teeth is difficult, an electric toothbrush may be a better option.
Electric toothbrushes contain rotating and vibrating heads that can make the process of brushing your teeth easier because all you have to focus on is angling the toothbrush correcting and reaching all of your teeth. Electric toothbrushes are particularly helpful for young children and seniors who have dexterity problems in their hands.
2. The Right Type of Dental Floss
Dental floss is important for removing food particles and plaque between the teeth on a daily basis. However, different people need different types of dental floss. Common types of dental floss include waxed and unwaxed standard floss, dental tape, flossers and water piks. When choosing a type of floss, always look for one that carries the ADA seal of approval. For individuals who have tight spaces between their teeth, a waxed floss is best. Dental tape is typically recommended for individuals with small gaps between their teeth, and dental flossers are typically recommended for individuals who have difficulty reaching their back teeth. For individuals with braces, it may be beneficial to invest in a floss threader, which helps thread the floss through the teeth between the braces and the gumline. Water piks can be a good choice for older children, adults and seniors.
3. A High-Quality Toothpaste
There are numerous brands and styles of toothpaste on the market, including cavity-fighting toothpaste, whitening toothpaste and toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Choosing the right toothpaste depends on your needs. Children should always have a children’s toothpaste, which is specially formulated for their developing teeth and mouths. Children’s toothpaste also typically contains fluoride and is less harmful if it is accidentally swallowed.
For adults, it depends on your specific needs. If you have stains on your teeth, you may want to try a whitening toothpaste. If you have sensitive teeth that cause you pain when you drink hot or cold liquids, you may need a toothpaste that is specially designed for sensitive teeth. If you want to fight cavities, then choose a toothpaste that protects against plaque and tartar. You may even want a toothpaste that helps strengthen your enamel.
Regardless of the type of toothpaste you choose, always make sure it has the ADA seal, which can be found on the box. If you can’t decide which type of toothpaste you need, our dentist can recommend several high-quality toothpastes that you can try.
4. A Good Mouthwash
While mouthwash is typically used on an as-needed basis, it can help you protect your teeth and gums from cavities, dental decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease. When choosing a mouthwash, make sure to choose one with an ADA seal. This seal indicates that the product has been tested by the American Dental Association and works as expected. Next, determine what you hope to achieve by using mouthwash. If you want to kill more bacteria, a mouthwash with alcohol may be best. If you want to strengthen your enamel, choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride. If you are uncertain as to the type of mouthwash that would be best for you, our Mount Gravatt dentist can recommend several products.
5. Regular Dental Checkups in Mount Gravatt
The last item you need to help protect your oral health and prevent gum disease is a yearly dental checkup. While brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash help prevent cavities, it doesn’t remove tartar, which is calcified plaque. Tartar occurs when you fail to remove all of the plaque from your teeth. The tartar falls along and below the gumline and provides a great food source for bacteria. This can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Our dentist Mount Gravatt can remove all the plaque, tartar and staining from your teeth and examine the health of your gums as well as your overall oral health. If any problems are found, a treatment program can be developed to help restore the health of your mouth and prevent cavities, tooth decay and the need for extractions. If you need help with your at-home oral hygiene routine, brushing or flossing techniques and choosing the right products for your mouth, our dentist can answer all your questions, demonstrate the proper techniques and recommend great oral care products.
To learn more about our dental services and to schedule an appointment, call us today.