Taking care of your teeth every day is important to keeping your dental health and preventing the development of such conditions as sore teeth, bad breath, and gum disease. It can also have a powerful effect on your overall health, as neglecting your teeth can lead to such immediate diseases as oral cancer with possible connections to pneumonia, stroke, heart disease, and even problems during pregnancy.
This is why it’s important to use the services of a quality dentist. Westland, MI and the surrounding area is home to top dental care professionals who can address you oral health care needs effectively.
Seal of Approval
The ideal products for dental care, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush, floss, etc., should carry the seal of the American Dental Association. This means that they are safe to use as directed and will maintain the oral health of your mouth.
Basic Dental Tools
A wide range of dental health tools is available in drugstores to help you maintain your dental health. These range from regular toothbrushes to power toothbrushes, waxed and un-waxed floss, mouth rinses, and oral irrigators. You should ask your dentist which of these tools are best for you to include in your daily cleaning routine.
Basic Dental Care
A dentist would recommend that you brush your teeth and floss on a daily basis. Brush thoroughly, at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening before going to bed. You should brush your teeth for at least three minutes; use a timer if you need to ensure that you are spending this amount of time brushing your teeth. It is also important to floss at least once a day. This is done to clean food debris and plaque from the spaces between your teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. However, dental floss should be used gently to avoid damaging gum tissue.
To keep your breath fresh, your teeth free of plaque and cavities, and your gums safe from gingivitis, you should also rinse with a therapeutic mouthwash. Most mouthwashes are sold over the counter although some require a prescription from a dentist.
The goal is to prevent the buildup of plaque in and around your teeth and gums, fight bad breath and prevent tooth decay. When plaque is allowed to build up, infections in the delicate tissue around the teeth, gum or periodontal diseases, tooth decay, and bad breath can result.
Proper daily home dental care along with getting regular dental checkups can maintain your dental health and go a long way to preserving your general health.