Oral Hygiene Aids

Good oral hygiene practices help keep most common oral conditions at bay, such as cavities, gum disease, bad breath, etc. Although brushing and flossing the teeth regularly at home get rid of most of the bacteria in the mouth, bacteria can still accumulate on the teeth or in hard-to-reach spots. To eliminate them, you should supplement your at-home routine with regular dental checkups.

The Right Way to Brush and Floss

It is necessary to brush the teeth at least twice a day to properly remove bacteria and prevent their accumulation. We recommend you choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the teeth thoroughly in order not to injure the gum tissues. You should also choose a toothpaste that is rich in fluoride, as this mineral can strengthen the teeth and increase their resistance to cavities. Use a suitable amount of toothpaste and hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to clean the teeth thoroughly.

Flossing is ignored by many after brushing their teeth. This is quite an unhealthy practice as bacteria and food residue tend to get stuck in between the teeth and significantly increase your risk of developing cavities and gum disease. We recommend you floss regularly (at least once a day) to maintain a healthy mouth. You can use waxed or unwaxed floss to gently clean both sides of the teeth.

Why Visit the Dentist for Regular Checkups?

During your biannual checkup, the dentist will look into various factors that can take a toll on your oral health. Some of them are the tartar deposits on the tooth crowns and roots, gum disease, damaged teeth, worn out or damaged restorations, etc.

Regular checkups also include teeth cleaning. During this procedure, the dentist will remove the plaque and tartar accumulated on the teeth and tooth roots using a manual scaling device or an ultrasonic one, which contains a metal tip that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies. When the metal tip is brought in contact with the tartar deposits, they are dislodged gently without affecting the structure of the teeth. Scaling is followed by root planing, a procedure performed to clean the tooth roots, remove tartar deposits, and clean deep gum pockets.

To schedule a consultation with our dental experts, call any of our offices in Livonia at (734) 425-7888, Ann Arbor at (734) 888-8886, or book an appointment online.