More Than Brushing: Dental Health Care

Posted .

There is more to taking care of your smile than brushing your teeth. Let’s look at some more habits your teeth need you to develop.

 

Flossing: The daily companion to brushing, this oral hygiene habit can be difficult to adhere to. However, it is vital to your dental health. Use a single filament floss that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the packaging. Use a gentle back-and-forth sawing motion, as this will adequately remove food and plaque without damaging your gums. If flossing is difficult for you, talk with Dr. Bryan and Dr. Davis about flossing alternatives. This could include water flossing, a pre-strung flosser, or floss for sensitive gums.

 

Mouthwash: Adding a therapeutic mouthwash can be helpful for some people. Be very aware of labels when you buy mouthwash–not all of them are created equal. Therapeutic mouthwashes clean your mouth, freshen breath, and contribute to oral health by fighting cavities and plaque, whitening teeth, or other specific purposes. Cosmetic mouthwashes, on the other hand, merely freshen breath temporarily. Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance when buying mouthwash. If you need to avoid alcohol, read labels extra carefully, as many types of mouthwashes contain alcohol. Do not give mouthwash to children under 6 years old.

 

Visit Your Dentist: This is an integral part of your overall dental health. Dental visits catch any problems early, to avoid dental emergencies as much as possible. Professional cleanings are also important to your oral hygiene. If you are in the Medford, Oregon area, call Northwest Dental Associates at 541-779-3993 to set up your biannual appointment today!