Santa Barbara Dentist – How To Maintain Good Dental Hygiene

Good dental hygiene will lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth. The most basic and obvious dental practice is a regular and thorough brushing regime. It is recommended that a soft bristle toothbrush be used to prevent any damage to teeth or gum irritation. Holding the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and using back and forth strokes with a rolling motion is the best method to clean areas in between teeth where tooth decay is prevalent. Replacing a toothbrush every 3-4 months is a good practice to avoid any build up of harmful bacteria.

It is important to find the right toothpaste to promote healthy looking teeth and a fresh feeling mouth. Sensitive teeth can benefit from toothpaste specifically formulated for brushing without feeling uncomfortable sensations. The dentist recommends specific toothpaste that is effective in supporting healthy gums that hold crowns, bridges, and dental implants. This toothpaste is usually only available for purchase through the dentist office. Toothpaste with fluoride is considered an essential ingredient when used often and well enough, and the choice of toothpaste should always be non abrasive.

Flossing daily promotes healthy gums and reduces tooth decay. Dental floss can be purchased in waxed or non-waxed forms, and in a variety of flavors. Dental floss lifts food particles from the narrow spaces in between teeth and around the hard to reach back molars. It takes about 18" of floss to adequately clean each tooth with a fresh length. It is important to move the floss in an up and down motion while being very careful to never snap it between teeth. This important process only takes a few minutes but is vital in removing harmful plaque which can lead to periodontal disease.

Routine dental cleanings twice a year can avoid serious tooth and gum problems that can be detected through x-rays and visual exams. The hygienist uses techniques and tools which are used to remove hard plaque. The use of a buff removes the tiny particles of plaque before they become difficult and time consuming to remove. Routine dental x-rays are taken once a year to detect the beginning stages of tooth decay. These 30 minute exams are the best line of defense against tooth decay and gum disease.

Dentists recommend that oral irrigators be used when braces are worn, or large spaces exist between teeth. Some individuals prefer the use of an oral irrigator because flossing is tedious and difficult. With age, flossing can be a cumbersome task, and an irrigator is easy to maneuver in the mouth, and produces the same benefit of healthy gums and the removal of plaque. Healthy dental practices will result in teeth and gums that will be strong enough to last a lifetime.

For more information about good dental hygiene, visit Santa Barbara dentist Dr. Weiser's website at http://www.boutique-dental.com.