Good Oral Hygiene Tips from Dental Assistant to Patient

Best Practices for Healthy Teeth and Mouth

While it’s important for everyone to know and understand good oral hygiene habits, it’s extremely important for those working within the dental industry to follow them as well. Being able to demonstrate while educating patients on the correct way to take care of their teeth is crucial as a dental assistant.

Brushing Requirements

The general recommendation for good oral hygiene is to brush at least twice a day with brushing before bed being the most important brush of the day. Brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque which accumulate throughout the day. Brushing your teeth helps to remove food debris and prevents dental plaque. Plaque is a film which adheres to your teeth and gums and not removed will eventually form into tartar. Tartar can cause gum infections, cavities and number of other oral diseases. Toothpaste also fights against bad breath leaving your mouth feeling fresh. The main contributing factors responsible for causing dental problems are food debris, dental plaque and calculus.

If you have young children it’s important to introduce proper oral hygiene as early as possible. Baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth and should be cared for and cleaned on a daily basis. Young children should also been seen by a dentist for checkups and cleanings. Discuss with your dentist when the appropriate age for your child to see your dentist. Instilling good oral hygiene at a young age will give your child a lifetime of good habits to keep their teeth healthy and their smile bright.

Don’t Forget to Brush Your Tongue 

When brushing it’s extremely important to always brush your tongue. Much of your daily food and drink will fester on your tongue thus eventually spreading to your teeth.

Use Mouthwash

Using a mouthwash post brushing will help ensure any missed debris or food particles are removed from your mouth in addition to giving you the ultimate freshest breath.

Floss Daily

Flossing is equally important as brushing teeth and can be done by floss, a water flosser or other interdental cleaning aids. Flossing removes the food remnants stuck between the teeth  which a toothbrush is unable reach. Food lodgment in between teeth can cause cavities, gum swelling and other oral problems. Flossing will help maintain the greatest possible dental hygiene.

Oral Checkups and Cleaning Requirements

In addition to your daily dental care routine, it’s important to have an oral checkup and cleaning every 6 months. Most insurances cover 100% of cleanings twice per year as a preventative measure. If you are pregnant or have pre-existing conditions you may need to see your dentist more often. 

Avoid Harmful Habits

There are a number of substances and bad habits which can be harmful to teeth and even your overall health. Below are a few important tips one should consider if they prefer a healthy mouth.  

• Limit sugar intake 
• Avoid tobacco products
• Avoid grinding your teeth
• Avoid nail biting

Risks of Poor Oral Hygiene

Not properly taking care of your teeth can lead to many health risks aside bad breath and staining. The most common health risks associated with poor oral hygiene include:  

• Gum Disease 
• Cavities and tooth decay 
• Oral Cancer

If dental care doesn’t come second nature to you there are many great tools and resources to help you along the way. Visiting your dentist is a great place to start. Your dentist will thoroughly check to ensure your mouth and teeth are healthy while your hygienist and dental assistant will clean your teeth, educate on proper teeth cleaning for at home all while ensuring your comfort levels are at their highest. Going to the dentist shouldn’t be a chore and should be enjoyed.