Protect Your Teeth and Avoid Tooth Loss with Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Professional dental care is one of a person’s greatest assets when it comes to preserving the strength and health of the teeth. However, it is up to each patient to ensure that they are doing their part at home to further enhance the health of the teeth. Poor oral hygiene habits are one of the most common causes of dental complications and tooth loss. Restorative dentistry services can repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, erosion, or other problems, if treatment is sought in time, but it is always better to avoid these complications altogether by cleaning the teeth and gums properly so that oral health doesn’t suffer. Dr. John Goodman discusses the link between missing teeth and poor oral hygiene with our Kansas City, MO patients, and teaches them proper oral hygiene techniques that will help them keep their natural teeth strong and healthy.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene
Just about everyone knows that dentists recommend brushing the teeth at least twice daily and flossing once a day. However, few people actually take the time to follow these recommendations. While busy schedules often play a role in this neglect, another problem is that many don’t understand the importance of these guidelines. Each day, the teeth and gums are introduced to many foods and beverages. These foods contain ingredients such as sugar, acid, and starch, all of which can wreak havoc on the teeth. The saliva in the mouth helps to wash these substances away, but it is not enough to keep the teeth clean. If oral hygiene habits are neglected, bacteria will accumulate on the teeth and eat away at tooth enamel. As healthy tooth enamel is lost, the inner layer of the teeth becomes exposed, and the risk of infection and tooth loss increases.
Practicing Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Neglect is one of the biggest problems when it comes to poor oral hygiene. Many patients simply fail to brush and floss regularly. However, even those who do devote time to brushing and flossing may not be getting the maximum benefits from these practices. If poor or improper oral hygiene habits are practiced, then oral health can still suffer. Below are some tips to ensure that patients are using proper oral hygiene techniques that will most benefit the health of the teeth and gums:
- Use a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles
- Use gentle pressure when brushing the teeth to avoid damaging tooth enamel
- Be sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth (front, back, and biting surface)
- Brush the tongue as well, as this is a prime area for bacteria
- When flossing, follow the curves of the teeth and make sure to get beneath the gum line
Treating Missing Teeth
With good oral hygiene techniques and practices, most patients can avoid tooth loss. However, if tooth loss does occur, treatment is vital to maintaining the integrity of the smile and preserving the health of surrounding teeth. Dr. Goodman offers a range of restorative treatments for missing teeth, including dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants, in order to help patients rebuild the smile. He can discuss these options in further detail with those patients in need of missing teeth treatment.
Schedule an Appointment
No oral hygiene routine is complete without regular dental exams and cleanings. If you are looking for an experienced and caring dentist to provide you with the professional dental care you need to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile, schedule an appointment with Dr. John Goodman at your earliest convenience.
