(The Basics of Dental Care by Dr. Erin Murphy, medical director and family dentist at Keystone Dental Health, first appeared in the February 2014 edition of the Public Opinion Newspaper. To read it online, click here to visit www.publicopiniononline.com.)
Caring for our teeth should be second nature, but many of us find it easy to neglect oral hygiene. Dr. Erin Murphy, medical director and dentist at Keystone Dental Care, explains basic dental care and why it’s important to stick with a proper dental routine.
Every Day, Twice a Day – At least twice each day, adults should brush their teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste. Adults and children should consider making the switch from a manual tooth brush to a powered toothbrush for added effectiveness. Try holding one in your hand before purchasing since some are heavier than others.
Every Day, Once a Day – Once a day, use dental floss or other dental cleaning aids like soft picks to remove plaque that a toothbrush can’t reach. For added protection, dip your cleaner of choice into an anti-microbial rinse like Listerine or add it to your Water Pik. Use an alcohol-free mouth rinse to fight gingivitis or one containing fluoride to prevent cavities.
Why All the Effort? – Tooth brushing and flossing mechanically removes plaque, the sticky film that contains bacteria which build up on the surface of teeth. If not removed effectively, bacteria release acid that destroys the tooth surface. Following these suggestions helps to reduce plaque, prevent gingivitis, and help control cavity formation.
What About Diet? – A diet high in sugar and acid leads to more cavities. Be sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after a sugary snack or beverage. If you eat something acidic or experience vomiting, rinse with water and wait 30 minutes before brushing. Acid weakens enamel and brushing immediately after can further damage teeth.
Check In Regularly – It’s important to see your dentist regularly for routine checkups, not just when you have pain or a potential problem. Dentists are not just concerned about teeth, but also the health of surrounding gums and bone which hold the teeth in place. Sometimes dental problems can escalate into serious health concerns.
