Caring for your teeth is important because it prevents a variety of health problems. Gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues can lead to more serious health complications. Poor oral hygiene can contribute to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. It can also cause pain, bad breath, and other issues that can affect quality of life. Caring for your teeth and gums can help you avoid these health issues.
What Dental Professionals Recommend
To address advanced oral health problems, dentists would often give the following pieces of advice:
1. Visit a dental specialist for an evaluation and treatment plan.
A visit to a dental specialist typically begins with an evaluation and physical examination of your teeth and gums. The specialist may also take X-rays or other imaging tests to get a better look at your teeth and gums. Depending on your specific needs, the specialist may recommend a variety of treatments, such as cleaning, filling, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, implants, or other procedures. Your specialist will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment option and help you decide which one is best for you. After the evaluation and treatment plan is complete, the specialist will provide instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums at home and may provide follow-up visits to monitor your progress.
2. Follow a strict routine of brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.
The routine may proceed as follows:
Brushing
– Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
– Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and use a circular motion
– Brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces of your teeth
– Don’t forget to brush your tongue
– Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months
Flossing
– Floss at least once a day
– Use about 18 inches of floss and wrap the ends around your middle fingers
– Gently guide the floss between your teeth, and curve it into a C-shape against the sides of each tooth
– Move the floss up and down to remove plaque and debris
Regular Dental Visits
– Schedule regular dental visits every 6 months for a comprehensive exam and cleaning. And for those looking for exceptional care, consider visiting a Denver dentist to ensure the best dental health.
– Regular visits will help detect problems early and prevent future damage to your teeth and gums
3. Consider treatments such as root canals, crowns, and bridges as appropriate to help restore teeth.
These treatments help restore the structure and strength of teeth that have been damaged due to decay, trauma, or wear and tear. Root canals can help remove infected tissue and bacteria from the inside of the tooth, while crowns and bridges can help restore the aesthetic look and feel of teeth by capping them off and replacing missing teeth. By replacing lost tooth structure and providing support to teeth, these treatments can help protect teeth from further damage and help restore the patient’s ability to eat and speak properly.
4. Ask about sedation dentistry options to reduce anxiety and discomfort during dental appointments.
Sedation dentistry uses various forms of medication, from oral conscious sedation to general anesthesia, to reduce anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures. Depending on the procedure and the patient’s comfort level, the dentist can choose the appropriate level of sedation. Oral conscious sedation is a pill or liquid medication taken prior to the procedure that relaxes the patient and helps them remain calm throughout the appointment. Inhaled moderate sedation is administered through a mask and helps the patient stay relaxed. IV sedation is administered through a vein and is more effective than oral sedation, allowing the patient to remain in a relaxed state throughout the entire procedure. General anesthesia is administered through an IV and is used for more advanced procedures.
5. Use products that help reduce oral bacteria, such as antiseptic mouthwashes and sugar-free gum.
Use products that help reduce oral bacteria, such as antiseptic mouthwashes and sugar-free gum. Such products ensure that bacteria are not allowed to accumulate in the mouth and help to restore the balance of bacteria in the mouth. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Proper brushing and flossing help to remove plaque, food particles and other debris that can accumulate in the mouth and attract bacteria.
Final Thoughts
Follow the advice of your dentist in Canberra to ensure that your teeth stay healthy. Regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist are important for maintaining oral hygiene. It is important to follow your dentist’s advice in order to prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. Eating a healthy diet with limited sugar and avoiding smoking can also help maintain healthy teeth.
