Now that you understand how your overall health is affected by your oral health, let us take a few minutes to learn what you can do to improve your oral hygiene routine. As resolutions go, this is a simple one to stay on track with – and most people would agree that spending an extra few minutes per day taking care of their teeth and gums is preferable to sitting for a couple of days in the dentist’s chair receiving root canal treatment and a dental crown in Naperville.
Proper Brushing Technique
Most everyone is familiar with the American Dental Association’s advice about brushing at least twice per day and after meals if possible – but remember the study participants from the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology study who had the best results, brushed at least three times per day. While it is not an official recommendation – pending further studies, It certainly will not do any harm to brush after meals for a total of three or more times daily.
Your brushing technique is just as important as how often you brush. The ADA has published a step-by-step guide picturing the proper technique which you can find here. In addition to brushing regularly, you should floss at least once per day to remove debris from in between teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. To ensure you are cleaning your teeth properly, replace your toothbrush every 6-8 weeks, and never hang on to that old one for more than three months.
Visit Your Family Dentist in Naperville for Regular Check-Ups
In addition to making sure you brush and floss regularly, eating a healthy diet and avoiding sugary drinks will go a long way to keeping your smile bright and healthy. It is also important to make sure you see your dentist twice a year for a check-up and professional teeth cleaning in Naperville. While brushing and flossing removes food particles and helps keep plaque at bay, only a professional cleaning can remove plaque beneath the gum line and prevent tartar buildup.
Your dentist will examine your tooth surfaces from every angle, and they will also check your mouth for suspicious sores, signs of gum disease, and measure your periodontal pockets (the space between the top of the gumline and the place where the gum firmly attaches to your tooth). The depth of these pockets should be between 1 and 3 millimeters deep – any deeper and it may be an early sign of gum disease that should be closely monitored.
During your visit, your dentist may also take x-rays to check for cavities below the gumline or in between teeth.
Following these simple guidelines will help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile throughout your lifetime as well as improve your overall health. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2021 – from all of us at Naperville Commons Dental
