Preventive Dentistry |4 min read

Dental Care Tips & Facts You Need to Know

Two female patients of Dr. Gorman in North Oaks, MN

We all know what a good hygiene routine looks like: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular exams and cleanings.

But what you may not fully understand is the why. Why it is so important you make these three essential steps a part of your hygiene routine.

So, in this blog, our North Oaks dentist is going to share his top dental care tips and facts. That way, you can start to understand the big picture of your oral health.

Dental care tips and facts

1. YOU are in control of your oral health

What you do or don’t do between dental visits is equally important as any treatment you receive in our office.

YOU are the deciding factor when it comes to making or breaking your oral health.

To prevent dental problems, you must maintain good oral hygiene habits. Here are 10 dental care tips to help:

  1. Brush twice a day
  2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
  3. Switch to a new toothbrush when frayed or every three months
  4. Use fluoridated toothpaste
  5. Floss daily
  6. Rinse with mouthwash
  7. Drink enough water
  8. Avoid a sugary or acidic diet
  9. Protect your teeth with a mouthguard or nightguard
  10. Don’t use your teeth for opening bottles or packages, cracking nuts, etc.

And if you are wondering, “Can your dentist tell if you don’t floss?” The answer is YES.

Here’s why our dentist highly encourages you to floss daily…

2. Flossing prevents gum disease

Do you notice bleeding or puffiness in your gum tissue?

While they may seem like minor nuances, they are actually dangerous signs of gum disease.

Gum disease creates a breeding ground for bacteria to easily enter the body and add to the inflammation load our bodies are already fighting from various sources. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to overall health problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more.

Not to mention, gum disease is the #1 cause of adult tooth loss!

But did you know:

Flossing is extremely effective at preventing gum disease, which is why you MUST floss your teeth.

3. Always maintain your nightly routine

Keep your nightly oral hygiene routine, no matter what. The condition your mouth is in when you go to bed has a significant impact on the state of it when you wake up.

We always recommend flossing, rinsing with your preferred or prescribed rinse, brushing, and using any other tools suggested by your dentist and hygienist.

At The Gorman Center for Fine Dentistry, we are excited to have an effective addition to our oral health program called Opens new tab to PerioProtect websitePerioProtect.

4. Check for fresh breath

Sometimes it can be hard to detect your own breath’s freshness. That’s why it can be beneficial to ask others to assess your breath.

How your breath smells is an indicator of your oral health. But what you may not know are your requirements for keeping bacteria at bay.

Some of us can stick with brushing twice a day and keep our oral inflammation low, while others need to commit to three times per day to keep breath neutral.

When you notice your breath and smile at its healthiest, try to maintain that routine.

Dental care tip: If someone offers you a piece of gum, they may be indicating your breath smells bad and could benefit from chewing gum.

5. Start dental care tips early

If you have children, you can positively impact their oral health by introducing dentistry in a fun and consistent manner.

Help them brush and floss, and have them watch you do it too – lead by example.

And don’t forget: It is all about attitude. Try putting a positive spin on all things dentistry, brushing, flossing, going to the dentist’s office, etc. They will pick up on your attitude and mirror it.

6. At-home and professional dental care

Now that we have primarily addressed your at-home care, it’s important to remember to stay up-to-date on your cleanings and exams.

These visits are vital for removing disease-causing plaque build-up and noticing initial signs of dental problems – potentially stopping them in their tracks or preventing them from becoming costly, time-consuming problems.

As our dentist in North Oaks says:

“Dental care is much more than visiting your dentist a few times per year. Our team at The Gorman Center is committed to educating our patients on total body health and how huge a role oral health plays AND motivating them to do their daily part to achieve and maintain superior oral health.”

Questions about dental care tips and facts

These dental care tips and facts are just the tip of the iceberg. Dr. Steve Gorman and our dental team have hundreds more we would love to share.

So, if you have a question or are due for a dental visit, contact us today!

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