Aldershot dentist explains how you should brush and floss your teeth and other oral hygiene tips

Practicing good oral hygiene is not just about having a beautiful smile. Not taking proper care of your teeth and gums can lead to problems that extend beyond the smile. Cavities and gum disease have both been linked to an increase in health conditions that can affect other areas of the body, including the heart. Fortunately, keeping your teeth in good shape is straightforward. By practicing good dental hygiene, receiving regular dental visits, and adopting healthy nutritional habits, you can keep your teeth and your body healthy. In the following article, we’ll explain why dental hygiene is important, how you should properly brush and floss your teeth, and other good dental habits.

If you are in the Aldershot area and are looking for a comprehensive dental practice, call Dentistry at LaSalle today at (905) 634-9090.

Why is dental hygiene important?

Having good oral health can translate to overall wellness. Tooth problems that originate in the mouth, such as tooth decay, impact oral health by causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, bad breath, infection, and tooth loss. Additionally, they can increase the instances of other medical conditions in different areas of the body. These include increasing the risk for heart disease, diabetes, low birth weight in pregnant women, arthritis, stroke, and others.

There have been numerous studies done on how the bacteria found in the mouth with gum disease can travel through the body to the heart, leading to clogged arteries and heart disease.

Practicing good dental hygiene can prevent oral diseases, dental problems, and other types of health conditions. Preventing these problems before they occur is always the number one priority.

Proper brushing and flossing techniques are key

If you want to keep your teeth healthy, then proper brushing is very important. It’s crucial to make sure you are brushing and flossing correctly instead of just going through the motions.

Materials needed for proper dental hygiene:

• A soft-bristle toothbrush with rounded bristles.
• Toothpaste that contains fluoride

Proper brushing technique: 

1. Position the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline
2. Gently press the bristles down against the teeth and gumline
3. Make sure to brush all inner and outer surfaces of the teeth with short, circular strokes
4. Brush the chewing surfaces using the toothbrush horizontally in a back-and-forth motion
5. Don’t forget to brush along the gumline
6. Move the toothbrush frequently to make sure you brush all the teeth
7. Once you are done brushing your teeth, make sure to brush your tongue
8. Repeat this process twice each day

Proper flossing technique: 

1. Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most of it around one of your fingers on each hand
2. Keeping the floss tight, glide it between the teeth back and forth gently
3. Gently curve the floss against your tooth when you feel it along the gum line
4. Don’t forget the back teeth
5. Go through this process once each day

After brushing and flossing, it’s good practice to rinse the mouth out with an antimicrobial mouthwash to eliminate any remaining food particles.

Symptoms to watch out for

 Inadequate oral hygiene can lead to a buildup of plaque that hardens into calculus, eventually causing gum disease. Signs of a dental problem may include:

• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Bleeding while brushing
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Blisters or pus between the teeth and gums
• Teeth that appear longer
• Pockets of gum tissue pulling away from the teeth

It’s important to schedule a visit with your dentist if you notice any of these symptoms, as advanced periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage to the mouth and require extensive restorative treatment.

It’s never too late to improve oral hygiene

It’s important to remember that now is always the best time to make positive changes to your dental hygiene routine. By making sure you are brushing and flossing the recommended amount and practicing good technique, you can greatly improve your oral health and overall wellness.

If you are in Aldershot and would like to learn more about the proper way to brush and floss your teeth, or simply want to schedule your yearly exam and cleaning, please call Dentistry at LaSalle today. (905) 634-9090.