Achieving a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime requires conscientious oral hygiene practices. Good oral hygiene minimizes gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and preterm labor.
Proper brushing technique, daily flossing or use of a water flosser, 강남임플란트 and regular dental visits are essential. Healthy teeth and gums look great, smell clean and are cheaper than repairing or replacing them later on.
Flossing
Dental floss is a thin strand of nylon that removes food particles from between teeth and along the gum line. It is one of the most important parts of oral hygiene because it helps prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.
You can use regular floss or an interdental cleaner, such as a dental floss threader or a small brush with a stiff end (similar to a mascara wand) that fits between teeth. There are also specialized tools that help people with braces or bridges clean the sides and between their teeth, such as a spongy floss or a water flosser.
Cut off a length of floss about 18 inches long and wind it around your middle fingers, leaving about six inches of slack. Gently slide the floss into the spaces between each tooth, sliding against both sides of each tooth and under the gum line. Be careful not to snap the floss as you move it; this can damage or injure your gum tissue.
Regular Dental Checkups
It is important to schedule regular dental checkups every six months to monitor the health of your mouth. During these visits, your dentist will thoroughly clean and remove any plaque or tartar that brushing and flossing may not have been able to remove. This prevents tooth decay and helps keep your teeth looking healthy.
Regular dental checkups also allow your dentist to identify any potential problems early on. This means that they can be treated before they become serious and costly to treat. Moreover, they can also perform an oral cancer screening that can save your life by identifying any suspicious lumps or lesions on your lips and cheeks.
In addition, dental checkups can help prevent gum disease by detecting any signs of inflammation or infection and providing professional guidance on proper oral hygiene techniques. Furthermore, studies have shown that a person’s gum health has a direct impact on their systemic health. For example, it has been linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.