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The Basics of Oral Hygiene
Did you know that good oral hygiene is important not just for your teeth but for your overall health, too? When you commit to an everyday oral care routine, you can prevent a range of issues affecting your smile, such as tooth sensitivity, cavities, and gum disease.
Whether you're looking to tune up your own oral care routine, or want to ensure your children develop healthy habits for life, the basics of oral hygiene are the foundation for a healthy smile.
Located in Rochester, New York, and led by Carol Scuro, DMD, Bradford Emery, DMD, and Nicholas Emery, DDS, the Emery & Scuro DMD, PC team breaks down the essential steps you should take to optimize your oral health, what preventive care services are available to you, and why regular dental checkups are imperative for your entire family.
A daily oral care routine
Your daily routine is your first line of defense in preventing cavities, plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath. It’s as easy as 1-2-3 to keep your smile healthy:
1. Brush
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily for 2-3 minutes each time. To avoid damaging your enamel, we recommend a soft-bristle toothbrush.
2. Floss
Develop the habit of daily flossing to remove pieces of food that your toothbrush missed and plaque buildup on your teeth and under your gums.
3. Rinse
Wash your mouth out with an antimicrobial mouthwash to freshen your breath and kill bacteria.
Over time, and with consistency, brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash become second nature, and before you know it, you’ve built an oral hygiene habit.
Protecting your teeth before problems arise
In addition to brushing and flossing, preventive dental care at our office is the main avenue for avoiding serious oral health issues. Regular checkups and professional dental cleanings help us identify potential problems in your mouth sooner rather than later, long before they become more complicated to treat.
Here’s a look at some of the comprehensive preventive care services we offer to keep cavities and gum disease at bay:
Regular exams
During your biannual checkups, your dentist examines your teeth and mouth to check for decay, gum disease, and other abnormalities.
Routine cleanings
Even with a great at-home oral hygiene routine, plaque and tartar can still accrue on your teeth. Twice-yearly professional cleanings with our skilled hygienists remove these deposits, preventing painful cavities and gum disease.
Dental sealants
Dental sealants are thin coatings we can apply to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, where cavities are most likely to form. Sealants help protect these surfaces by preventing food particles and bacteria from accumulating.
X-rays
Dental X-rays help detect problems that aren't easy to see, such as cavities between your teeth or in hard-to-reach spots. Early detection can save time and money and keep you from needing more complex treatments down the road.
The consequences of poor oral hygiene
Neglecting your oral hygiene can lead to problems that affect the appearance and function of your teeth and gums. You can prevent gum disease, cavities, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath with a daily at-home routine and regular visits to our office for dental checkups.
To keep your smile healthy and bright for years to come, call 585-684-8423 to schedule a consultation or book your appointment online today.
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