Good dental hygiene is a must if you want to keep your teeth healthy. Practicing good dental hygiene begins at home. American Dental Association member, Dr. Richard H. Price says, “regular home care should include daily brushing and flossing.” He advises brushing thoroughly, once in the morning, and again at night. Flossing once a day and after every meal is recommended. Price says you should use dental products with the ADA seal on them. He says “this means that the products are safe to use as directed and will keep your mouth healthy.” Most dentists recommend brushing for at least three minutes, use a timer if necessary. The goal of good dental hygiene is staying out of the dentist’s chair. Dental El Dorado Hills says plague, gum disease and tooth decay are the enemies.
Part of dental hygiene is going regularly for checkups. It’s recommended that most people get a check-up every six months. The check-up usually includes cleaning and polishing. The dental hygienists use special tools to get the teeth as clean, as possible. The hygienist will talk to you about any hygiene problems detected. The dentist will examine your teeth to look for any signs of a problem. At least once a year, the dentist will take x-rays of your teeth to look for cavities or gum disease. Children should visit Dental El Dorado Hills by their first birthday. However, a parent needs to start dental care earlier. Wipe a baby’s gum with a clean, damp cloth, after a bottle. The first tooth usually shows up around six months. Part of dental hygiene for children is limiting sugary snacks–make sure they eat plenty of nutritious fruits and vegetables. Use flavored toothpastes to get your child to brush twice a day. There are great tooth brushes on the market that play music–the child is supposed to brush until the music stops. Parents are advised to start flossing a child’s teeth as soon as two teeth touch each other. Remember, your baby is prone to the same cavities, as an adult. Practicing good dental hygiene for the children, and yourself, will save time at the dentist office, and save money in the long run.
