(443) 394-2273
If you had to rate your oral health right now, what would you give it? A perfect 10? An average 5? Or something… lower? It’s not too late to rescue it. Most of us learned the basics of dental hygiene a while ago, and it may be about time for a brush up on your oral health habits. Your dentist in Owings Mills firmly believes in the importance of patient education, so keep reading as we take you to class — it’s Dental School 101!
Yes, You Should Visit the Dentist Every Six Months
One of the most basic things adults get wrong is how frequently they should be visiting the dentist. It may seem like a lot, but a twice-annual visit to the dentist is really nothing in exchange for a healthy smile that lasts and lasts. When we can see your teeth and gums regularly, it’s much easier for us to catch issues like gum disease and tooth decay early — which means we can provide the most conservative (and effective) treatment possible. It should be especially easy for patients who have dental insurance to fit these appointments into the schedule, as most benefit plans include two FREE checkups and cleanings per year.
Flossing Is VIP
In addition to brushing twice a day, another key for maintaining a healthy and happy smile is flossing between the teeth at least once a day. This step is crucial because it removes the plaque and food particles your toothbrush just can’t reach.
To floss properly, wind about 18-inches of dental floss between your middle fingers, leaving a space about an inch wide to work with. Use a new section of floss between every tooth, and gently rub the floss up and down to remove all plaque and bacteria that may be lurking in the mouth. If you prefer to use the plastic flossers, make sure you rinse the floss after each tooth to prevent spreading bacteria throughout the mouth.
But Mouthwash Isn’t
Mouthwash can be a wonderful addition to a solid oral hygiene regimen, especially for patients who are at a higher risk for developing cavities or gum disease. However, adding a mouth rinse to your nightly routine is not necessary for excellent oral hygiene. If you do prefer to use mouthwash, that’s great — make sure you choose an alcohol-free formula to protect your soft oral tissues.
What If You’re Experiencing Tooth Pain?
It goes without saying that healthy teeth shouldn’t hurt. If you have a toothache or persistent pain, schedule an appointment with our office right away. Delaying treatment could result in serious consequences — like the infections spreading throughout the body, or us having to completely remove the damaged tooth. We may be able to fix the problem with a simple dental crown or root canal.
And those are the (very brief) basics of oral hygiene! If you’re left with remaining questions, we invite you to get in touch with Diamond Dental today.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Monica M. Mattson is a general dentist offering comprehensive dental care to families and friends around the Owings Mills area. To learn more about oral hygiene or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, don’t hesitate to reach the office by calling 443-394-2273 today!