Dental Care Basics

Whether you’re working or playing, eating or drinking, your mouth is hard at work for you. It ensures that you’re well-fed, that you can take your medicine, are able to chat with your friends and co-workers, and take care of your kids. With all these responsibilities, it’s important to keep your mouth, your gums, and your teeth in the best health possible, so you need to have a program of good oral hygiene at home.

When you maintain good oral health, you dramatically reduce your risk of getting cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, and many other diseases. When you have good oral health habits, your family is more likely to have them also. If you’d like more information on developing a regimen of good oral care, then call our Connecticut office, and we’ll be glad to help you.

Can I Avoid Getting Plaque?

Plaque isn’t an inevitable consequence of having teeth. Rather, it’s the consequence of having poor oral hygiene. Plaque is a sticky film that coats your teeth after you eat or drink, particularly foods or beverages that are high in sugar or carbohydrates. When not removed through brushing or flossing, plaque will accumulate between your teeth and in the crevices of your gums and begin to cause gingivitis, which will eventually become periodontal disease. Ideally, you should brush and floss after each meal or snack to prevent plaque from building up.

Can I Avoid Getting Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is completely preventable, but it is the major reason that adults lose their teeth. If you notice any of the following symptoms, then you’re probably developing gingivitis:

• Bleeding when you brush or floss
• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Changes in your bite
• Discolored gums, such as from pale pink to reddish or purplish
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• Teeth that loosen

To prevent gingivitis, you need to remove plaque from your gums and teeth as soon and as often as possible. We want to ensure you don’t ever progress gingivitis, so call our office today for an appointment.

Can I Avoid Getting Cavities?

Cavities, also called dental caries, are the most common chronic childhood disease, according to the American Dental Association. Like gingivitis, cavities are completely preventable when you have a regimen of good oral hygiene. If you notice any of the following, you may be getting a cavity and should consult your dentist without delay:

• Pain when you chew or bite down
• Increased sensitivity to the temperature or sugar content of foods
• Small holes or pitting in your teeth
• Sudden toothache

However, cavities can form asymptomatically, which is an excellent reason for having regular dental checkups. Don’t ignore a cavity, because it can become an abscess, which is a life-threatening condition. If you think you have a cavity or want to schedule an appointment, then call our Connecticut office today.

Which At-home Dental Care Practices Are Best?

A regimen of good at-home dental hygiene practices will keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. The American Dental Association recommends the following:

Brushing

Brush a minimum of twice each day and floss at least once each day. Brushing and flossing will eliminate the majority of food particles that may lodge in your teeth and gums. Use a gentle pressure, a soft-bristled toothbrush and:

• Brush for a minimum of two minutes
• Brush your tongue as well as your teeth
• Change your toothbrush after you’ve been ill
• Change your toothbrush every three months even if you’ve been healthy

Flossing

Proper flossing techniques will remove any residual food particles that can cause plaque, dental caries, and halitosis. Remember to floss regularly and before brushing so all of the food particles will be removed from your mouth and not allowed to rest on the teeth any longer.

Mouthwash

Use an antibacterial mouthwash to rid your mouth of any stubborn germs or bacteria that can adversely impact your good oral health. Make sure your oral hygiene products carry the American Dental Association seal of approval.

Healthy Eating Habits

The American Dental Association also recommends that you eat a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, nuts, and lean protein. Diets that are high in carbohydrates, sugar, and soda can adversely impact your waistline as well as the enamel on your teeth. Sodas are notorious for attacking tooth enamel even if they’re sugar-free, so opt instead for several daily glasses of clear, unflavored, unsweetened water.

Why Do I Need a Personal Dentist?

When your dentist is familiar with your medical and dental history, then they’ll be more likely to notice unusual situations in your mouth that can be precursors to many things, including a cyst, an abscess, bruxism, jawbone loss or deterioration, dental caries, fractures or tumors. Many times, catching these issues in the earliest stage can make a significant and positive difference in their prognosis.

A consistent dentist can save you money in the long run, ensuring your oral and physical health stay in top condition. If you haven’t had a checkup in a while, then call our Connecticut office to schedule one.

Why Do I Need to Have Regular, Professional Dental Care?

The incidence of oral cancer is on the rise. It now accounts for 3 percent of all new cancers that are diagnosed annually accounting for about 49,700 cases, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. It’s the sixth most common cancer in men, and it affects men twice as frequently as it does women. Those who drink and smoke have a greater incidence of oral cancer than those who don’t, so especially if you’re in a high-risk group, then schedule a screening for oral cancer without delay.

In the Connecticut area we provide compassionate, affordable dental care, so if you need an appointment, then call us at , and we’ll be glad to help you. There’s no need to lose your teeth as you age. With proper care and good oral hygiene, your natural teeth can last throughout your lifetime. Call us today for an appointment; we look forward to working with you.