The Importance of Proper At-Home Oral Care
Proper oral care at home cannot be overemphasized. Without it, you could face gum disease and tooth decay. Oral care at home involves correct brushing, flossing, and rinsing, and regular visits to your dentist. Dr. Sima Patel and her team at Lakemoor Dental in Lakemoor, Hainesville, Arlington Heights, and Elk Grove Village, IL, recommend the following routine for proper at-home oral care.
The Benefits of At-Home Oral Care
A healthy at-home oral care routine has the following benefits:
- a bright smile
- fresh breath
- reduced risk of tooth decay
- healthy gums
- reduced need for oral surgery
Proper At-Home Oral Care
Following this advice will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy:
- Get your toothbrush right: Use a soft toothbrush with an angled head that fits comfortably into your mouth. If you find it difficult to grip a traditional toothbrush, you may find a power toothbrush easier to manage. You should replace your toothbrush about every three months or when the bristles show signs of wear.
- Brush regularly: Brush at least twice each day. The best times are in the morning and at night before you go to bed. If you have eaten, wait at least twenty minutes before you brush or floss. Take at least two minutes each time you brush.
- Floss daily: Daily flossing is good for your teeth and gums. It removed particles of food that are trapped between your teeth. This helps to reduce plaque build-up, which reduces your chance of gum disease.
- Clean your tongue: If you don’t; have a toothbrush with a tongue cleaner on the back of the head, you can buy a tongue scraper or use the bristles of your toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste. Cleaning your tongue helps reduce bacteria in your mouth and keeps your breath fresh.
- Use mouthwash: After brushing and flossing, rinsing with mouthwash can slow down the build-up of bacteria in your mouth. Take a small sip and swirl around your mouth for 20-30 seconds then spit.
- Make dentist visits: Dental visits are an important part of your oral care routine. You should visit your family dentist for a check-up and professional cleaning. That’s why Elk Grove residents usually make a dental appointment with Dr. Patel and her team every six months.
We are still available for emergency visits. Call Lakemoor Dental at Lakemoor (815) 363-8888, Hainesville (847-986-6300), Arlington Heights (847) 749-1780, and Elk Grove Village (847) 744-6240, IL.