Good oral hygiene is the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums. It prevents dental issues such as tooth decay, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth loss. It also helps keep the rest of the body healthy and lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and more.
Oral hygiene mainly focuses on removing food particles and bacteria from the teeth. To do this, people should brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between their teeth every day using floss or other interdental brushes and tools. Some people may also find a mouthwash that helps maintain good oral hygiene. For more information, just visit on this link https://bocadentallasvegas.com/ provided to proceed.
These basic routines should be followed consistently to ensure healthy, strong teeth for a lifetime. If you need help sticking to a good daily routine, our dentists can provide personal recommendations that work best for your needs.
Aside from these basic routines, you should drink plenty of water and reduce sugary snacks. If you must eat sugary snacks, brush your teeth immediately afterward. This will help reduce the amount of acid and bacteria in your teeth. You should also avoid tobacco products and use mouthguards when playing contact sports.
Oral care should also include regular dental exams and cleanings. These appointments will help detect and prevent problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and halitosis. They can also help identify the early stages of oral cancer, which is often difficult to notice at home.
In addition to these habits, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep is important. Poor nutrition and lack of sleep can also affect oral health, causing tooth loss, bone loss, and even gum recession.
If you want to improve your oral hygiene, choose toothpastes and mouthwashes containing the ADA Seal of Acceptance. These products have been rigorously tested to ensure they are safe and effective. They can be found in most major stores and pharmacies. If you are still determining what products will best suit your dental needs, you can consult your dentist for personalized product suggestions.
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. It is a naturally occurring substance that occurs in water and many foods. In addition, it is added to public drinking water supplies in the United States and many other countries, a practice known as community water fluoridation.
Studies show that community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay in children and adults by making teeth more resistant to acid produced by bacteria in the mouth. It also helps to close the gap in tooth decay rates between middle and lower-income families.
Tooth decay is caused by plaque buildup, which contains bacteria, sugars, and food debris. If not removed, the bacteria produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel. The resulting holes are called dental caries or cavities. While poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of tooth decay, other factors such as diet and lifestyle contribute to the disease. Tooth decay can be prevented with regular brushing, flossing, mouth rinses that contain fluoride, and visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and checkups.
The ADA recommends that children receive sufficient fluoride through drinking water or over-the-counter toothpaste with an adequate fluoride concentration. Adults need to ensure they are getting enough through their daily diet by choosing a balanced meal plan that includes low-sugar, high-fiber drinks and snacks; whole grains; lean protein (e.g., poultry, fish, beans, nuts, and seeds); fruits and vegetables; and fat-free or reduced-fat dairy products.
Dentists often prescribe topical fluoride treatments with a higher mineral concentration than over-the-counter options. These are available as gels, foams, and varnishes that can be applied directly to the teeth. They may be painted on, brushed in with a mouth guard, or sprayed into the mouth.
Too much fluoride can lead to a condition called dental fluorosis. This mild cosmetic discoloration of the tooth enamel most commonly affects children whose permanent teeth are still developing. To prevent this, the ADA recommends that adults monitor their fluoride intake and consult their physician or pediatrician if concerns arise.
Sealants are thin coatings that dentists paint onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and pre-molars). They can protect teeth from decay by creating a barrier against food, plaque, and bacteria. The process is quick, easy, painless, and effective. It is often performed on children’s teeth as they are more susceptible to cavities, but adults can also get them. Having them on regularly is a good idea to prevent decay and keep teeth strong.
Dental sealants are made of plastic resin or glass ionomer material that bonds and hardens to the chewing surfaces of teeth. They are typically painted on and then cured with a special curing light. They can last for years but must be reapplied periodically, usually after a few years. The lifespan of a dental sealant depends on factors such as saliva, eating habits, and the type of food consumed.
To prepare the tooth to receive a sealant, it will be cleaned and dried. The chewing surface of the tooth will be treated with an etching solution that roughens up the enamel, which allows the sealant to bond more effectively. This step may cause a temporary sour taste in the mouth. Then, the tooth will be rinsed off and dried again. After the tooth is ready, a runny sealant will be applied to the grooves and pits on the chewing surface. Once the sealant is placed, the dentist will “cure” it by shining a bright blue light on the tooth.
Studies have shown that sealants can significantly reduce the risk of caries on occlusal surfaces of permanent teeth. The effectiveness of the procedure has been attributed to the physical barriers they create, the ease of cleaning, and the release of fluoride ions. Studies have also found that many patients maintain their sealants, although the retention rate varies by clinical and operative factors such as approaches to moisture control and enamel pre-treatment. Sealants are most effective when fully intact, so visiting your dental professionals at Modern Essence Dentistry regularly is important, especially if you have teeth with deep grooves.
During a dental exam, your dentist will look inside your mouth for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. They may also look for abnormalities in the soft tissue, such as red or white patches, which can be a sign of cancer. To detect these issues, your dentist will gently use a small probe to scrape the inside of your mouth and look at the tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and lips for any changes. They will also feel the lymph nodes in your neck and face.
Your dentist will use this information to identify potential problem areas and can then formulate a plan to prevent or treat them. This can help you avoid more extensive and costly treatment down the road. Regular exams can also help monitor and manage oral conditions such as gum disease or a misaligned jaw, making them easier to treat when caught in the early stages.
It is important to come in for your dental exams as often as your dentist recommends. Brushing and flossing regularly is also a good idea, as this can help keep your teeth healthy between appointments. If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, it is best to bring them up at your appointment so they can be addressed immediately.
Most dental insurance plans will cover the cost of an oral examination, including a full mouth evaluation and annual X-rays. The X-rays will allow your dentist to see the hidden parts of your teeth and can help to detect tooth decay, bone loss, and other issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye. While X-rays expose you to a small amount of radiation, the risk is extremely low compared to the benefits of detecting problems in their earliest and most treatable stage. For patients nervous about their exam, our office offers nitrous oxide gas (laughing gas) or oral conscious sedation to help make the experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
