Oral Hygiene is Crucial
Oral hygiene is crucial. We understand that it’s easy to forget about your teeth. Everyone is busy and trying their best to prioritize things in their life, and your oral hygiene sometimes gets lost in the commotion.
Forgetting about your oral hygiene can have serious and expensive repercussions. At Hunsaker Dental, we care deeply about the health of your mouth and would like to provide some educational tips on how to best take care of it.
The Big Dangers To Your Mouth
One of the biggest dangers to your mouth is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Gum disease is responsible for a huge amount of issues in the mouths of many adults. You will likely experience some degree of gum disease throughout your life, but the good news is that you can prevent it.
Gum disease can be prevented with great oral hygiene. If you brush and floss regularly, and come in for cleanings and exams twice a year, you can easily stave off gum disease and its nasty side effects.
How to Brush
It’s important to find a toothbrush with soft bristles. Hard and medium-bristled brushes can damage your teeth by scratching the enamel. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth where they meet the gums.
Brush in small, circular motions while applying light pressure. Brush the outside, inside, and chewing surface of every tooth for at least two minutes.
How To Floss
Brushing does a great job of removing plaque and tartar from the easy-to-reach portions of the tooth, but it can’t reach between teeth. Flossing is essential for removing plaque from between teeth and should be done at least once a day.
Use a gentle touch when flossing to avoid damaging any restorations or teeth. Proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, is key to maintaining a healthy mouth.
Things To Look Out For
If your gums bleed frequently after brushing and flossing or appear red and swollen consider giving us a call as this could be a sign that you are developing gum disease.
For more information, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at Salem: 503-877-1598, or Monmouth: 503-877-1590. Don’t forget to visit our Facebook!
