Basic Dental Care in Middletown

Maintaining good dental health is one of the best ways to maintain good physical health because eventually, everything that goes into your mouth goes into your body. So, although brushing and flossing are two mundane chores that usually get relegated to the bottom of the to-do list, they should be right at the top.

Research has proven a correlation between good dental health and longevity. It has also proven a link between poor dental health and the onset of severe diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. As such, brushing and flossing, combined with other habits, can help you live a long and healthy life.

Do you need a dental appointment for an exam and teeth cleaning? Great, click here!

What Should Basic Dental Care Consist Of?

Your minimum basic dental care regimen should consist of:

● Twice-daily brushing

● Once-daily flossing

● Using fluoridated toothpaste

● Annual dental checkups and teeth cleaning

 Of course, more of any of these is better but this should be your minimum.

Do You Brush at Least Twice Daily?

Brushing twice each day is one of the most important basics of your dental hygiene routine and is recommended by the American Dental Association. One of those times should be immediately before you go to bed so that all food particles and bacteria in your mouth are removed rather than remaining overnight in your mouth where they start to form plaque and gum disease.

When you brush, you should spend a minimum of 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth. Your mouth quadrants are the upper and lower right sides and the upper and lower left sides. It doesn’t matter the order in which you brush as long as you brush for two full minutes. Many electric toothbrushes will notify you when two minutes are up.

Using the correct toothbrush is also important. Regardless of the verbiage on the package, buy the toothbrush that’s correctly sized for your mouth. Some adults need child-sized toothbrushes and some children need adult-sized toothbrushes. Buy the one that’s appropriately sized for your mouth. Also, make sure it has soft bristles of uneven lengths, and don’t forget to brush your tongue. If you don’t know how to brush your tongue, ask your dentist or call our Middletown office, and we’ll be happy to help.

When you brush, use gentle pressure in a circular motion with back-and-forth strokes to ensure the most comprehensive coverage when you brush. The uneven lengths of the bristles enable them to reach between the teeth as well as on the surfaces of the teeth. Fast strokes and firm pressure can damage your tooth enamel and aren’t as effective, so go slow and use gentle pressure.

Do You Use Fluoridated Toothpaste?

Most toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Additionally, most municipalities now fluoridate their water supply, so some people may be concerned that they’ll get too much fluoride, which can be harmful. This isn’t usually an issue because water supplies are fluoridated only to the minimum level required for health benefits. However, if you’re concerned, ask your dentist. If you have too much fluoride in your body, it causes symptoms. So, if you have it, your dentist should be able to diagnose it.

Do You Floss Daily?

Flossing at least once each day can help promote the healthiest teeth and gums because it removes the plaque and food particles that can start gum disease and cavities. After you eat, bacteria remain in your mouth, and when not removed through brushing, they form acids that attack your tooth enamel. Flossing removes the food particles stuck between your teeth so that gingivitis doesn’t start.

It doesn’t matter which type of dental floss you use. Dental picks, traditional dental floss, or water flossers are equally effective. It’s your personal preference that determines the best for you. According to the ADA, you should floss at least once daily just before bedtime and don’t eat anything after you floss. Otherwise, you’ll get more food particles between your teeth.

Ensure all your dental hygiene products carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance, so you know you’re getting a safe and high-quality product.

Want More Tips for Basic Dental Care?

Mouthwash is a great addition to your dental care regimen and can remove any bacterial residue remaining between your teeth or on your tongue. It also provides fresher breath. Whether you opt for regular mouthwash or the non-alcoholic type, it will increase your dental health because it eliminates bacteria.

Your diet is also a factor in your good oral health. Instead of snacking on calorie-laden, nutritionally empty snacks like chips and cookies, try snacking on nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Their crunchy texture will help remove bacteria, while their additional nutrients will be good for both your mouth and your waistline.

Do You Need On-the-Go Tips?

If you’re frequently away from home during the day, you might consider assembling a travel kit with travel-sized containers of your favorite dental products. That way, you’ll always have access to your regular dental hygiene regimen.

If you’re not where your oral hygiene routine is feasible, then rinse your mouth well with plain water to remove most of the bacteria and food particles in your mouth. Then, when you can, use your brushing and flossing regimen or your normal dental hygiene routine.

Do You Practice Good Prevention Habits?

One of the major components of your good dental health habits is regular dental checkups. Your dentist is your biggest ally in the fight against cavities and gum disease. Even if you have good dental habits, your dentist may provide suggestions for improvement, and they can spot minor issues before they escalate. Some diseases, such as oral cancer, present asymptomatically so that you may have them but be unaware of the fact.

We recommend that all our patients get screened for oral cancer during their annual exam. The screening is non-invasive, and it’s not painful. However, oral cancer is the fastest spreading cancer and now accounts for more than three percent of all new cancer diagnoses.

We Can Help You

If you haven’t been screened for oral cancer, need an appointment for a dental exam and teeth cleaning, or need another dental service, we’d be delighted to help.  Our Middletown office is considered one of the best in the area, and we know you’ll be pleased with our compassionate and skilled dental staff.

Click here today to schedule your teeth cleaning and dental exam. We look forward to speaking with you.