If you want to understand the best rules in any industry, you should consult the professionals. The same holds true in the dental field. If you are seeking the best oral hygiene tips, reach out to a hygienist Oldsmar.
Dental hygienists work alongside dentists and other practitioners to help patients maintain optimal oral health. While there are numerous tips your dental hygienist can share on upholding good oral health during your appointment, here are some of the most common.
- Do Not Miss Your Regular Dental Visits
You might presume that you should not see a dentist regularly if you constantly brush your teeth. In fact, most people often visit the dentist when they have a dental emergency. Unfortunately, this assumption can have dire consequences.
Missing your regular dentist appointments means you might miss the early diagnosis of gum disease, tooth decay, infection, and oral cancer. These conditions can result in serious complications if left untreated. Therefore, aim to see your dentist at least twice every year.
- Use The Right Brushing Technique
The general recommendation is to brush twice daily or after every meal, for several minutes. However, brushing your teeth is only effective if you use the correct technique.
If you brush wildly, you will probably concentrate more on specific areas than others. Besides, brushing overly hard can damage enamel, and result in tooth sensitivity. Your hygienist will train you on the right brushing technique during your routine appointment.
- Find the Right Toothbrush
It does not matter if you brush your teeth twice daily or even after meals if you do not have the right toothbrush. If your toothbrush is old, it will probably do more harm than good. A good rule of thumb is to buy a new toothbrush every few months.
If you cannot remember when you last bought a toothbrush, it is time you buy another one. Moreover, opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles. Moderate to hard bristles will cause enamel damage, rendering tooth decay and cavities more likely.
- Avoid Sugary Foods
Everybody knows that sugary foods are not good for one’s teeth. Sugary foods introduce harmful bacteria into the mouth. These bacteria produce acid that causes tooth enamel erosion, resulting in cavities and other oral health concerns.
Sadly, it is nearly impossible to avoid sugary foods completely. Therefore, if you consume anything sugary, it is important to wash it down with water. If possible, you can also brush your teeth right after the sweet treat to avoid the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth.
- Quit Smoking
If you are a chronic smoker, quitting could benefit your dental health. The most apparent is the color of your teeth. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes cause teeth discoloration, making them stained or yellow, and sometimes leading to bad breath.
Besides, smoking reduces blood flow to your mouth, raising the risk of infections, and even conditions like oral cancer. Smoking cessation and quitting other tobacco products is a key measures to incorporate into your oral hygiene routine.
There is no better resource when seeking dental tips and tricks than to consult your dental hygienist. This practitioner spends more time with you than the dentist, and will often be glad to help you in your pursuit of a healthier and more vibrant smile.
Integrate the tips highlighted above into your oral hygiene routine, and you will surely see significant improvements. However, if you have any other concerns or questions, you should not hesitate to ask your hygienist.