When it comes to oral health, it’s not just about making it to your Lincoln dentist for a cleaning. It’s also about the time spent in between dental visits. To keep your teeth clean and functioning for many years to come, you only need to keep three habits: brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly. With those habits in check, you’ll be all set!
Your dentist wanted to list a few tips she’s told patients over the years, so you can have an easy reference to pull from. You may be surprised at what you learn, so it’s worth a quick read.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2uHyw0hkZ4
Brushing: The Bulk of Your Oral Care
In between your dental visits, a good rule of thumb for brushing is to brush twice a day for at least two minutes and at most three minutes. While brushing, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle towards your teeth to get all the nooks and crannies. Food debris and plaque love to hide in hard-to-reach places, so go slowly from tooth to tooth. Make sure to use a fluoridated toothpaste which has been proven to remove plaque and reduce tooth decay!
If you have trouble using a manual toothbrush or you’d like to make brushing more fun, consider investing in an electric toothbrush. The disposable, vibrating heads are great for chipping away at plaque. Look for a toothbrush that vibrates at a sonic frequency, as they are capable of cleaning beyond the bristles, therefore providing a deeper cleaning.
Flossing: The Best Way to Start and Continue
Flossing once a day doesn’t just remove plaque from the sides of your teeth; it also removes bacteria from your gums, reducing your chances of gum disease. When flossing, pull out about 18 inches to wrap around your pointer and middle fingers on each hand. This way, you’ll have better control of your technique.
If you’re struggling to include flossing in your oral regimen, try purchasing disposable floss picks or purchase a floss holder. Make sure your floss is thin enough to fit in between your teeth, but also thick enough to make contact against both sides of each tooth.
Dental Visits: How Often is Enough?
You’ll need to visit your dentist in Lincoln every 6 months to receive thorough examinations and cleanings.
During your examination, the dentist will be looking for and examining:
- Current or early signs of tooth decay
- Cavities
- Current or early signs of gum disease
- Signs of oral cancer
- Current restorations such as fillings, dental crowns, implants, bridges, veneers, etc.
- Your bite
- Other abnormalities
Once they’ve reviewed your mouth, they start cleaning your teeth with professional-grade toothpaste to remove calcified plaque, also known as tartar. Only a dentist can remove this hardened plaque, so it’s essential you make it to your dentist.
With these tips, you won’t have to worry about gum disease or tooth decay. Schedule an appointment with Williamsburg Dental so your Lincoln dentist can see how effective your regimen has been!
About the Author
Dr. Amy Wenninghoff earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota’s dental school and completed her residency in Omaha before joining Williamsburg Dental. She’s also a member of multiple dental groups and associations, including the ADA and the Nebraska Dental Association. To learn more about her preventive dental treatments and practice, contact her at (402) 420-2222 or visit her website.