Often, finding time in your busy schedule to make an appointment with your dentist is difficult enough. The prospect of undergoing lengthy procedures to correct advanced conditions only adds to this difficulty, sometimes causing patients to avoid the care they need. There are various ways to shorten the amount of time you spend in a dental office, but preventive care is one of the few that saves time and preserves your long-term oral health. While Dr. Zoya Mitelberg enjoys serving the restorative needs of her patients in Totowa and the surrounding Passaic County communities, she strongly encourages practicing good oral hygiene at home to support a beautiful, long-lasting smile.
By performing a little maintenance every day, you can avoid oral concerns such as:
- Cavities
- Gingivitis
- Accelerated enamel loss
- Periodontitis (gum disease)
Remember the Basics
While it may seem deceptively simple, the most essential way to be proactive in preventing the development of cavities and gum disease is brushing your teeth. Proper brushing habits combat plaque buildup which, left unchecked, can cause a proliferation of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Brushing twice a day for about two minutes each session is beneficial not only for your oral health, but your wellness overall. With a growing number of studies linking periodontal disease to systemic problems like heart disease, it’s no stretch to say that if your mouth is at risk, so is your body.
Beyond including brushing as part of your daily routine, keeping the following in mind can bolster the results you receive from at-home care:
- Choose a soft bristled toothbrush
- Avoid brushing too hard; this can damage the enamel and increase sensitivity
- Change out your toothbrush every three to four months
- Brush your whole mouth including your gums and the surface and area beneath your tongue
Don’t Forget to Floss!
While brushing is usually just as second nature as taking out the trash, flossing is often neglected. You could elect to let your dentist do the hard work during routine cleanings, but daily flossing will reduce the extent of treatment needed and amount of time you spend in that chair during visits. It is important to floss correctly, however. Dentists recommend wrapping the floss to form a “C” around the tooth. Flossing just once a day can help prevent cavities and other problems associated with plaque build-up.
Rinsing is Underrated
Daily rinsing with mouthwash rarely gets the credit when it comes to keeping teeth clean. By eliminating bacteria known to cause bad breath, preventing the accumulation of plaque, and strengthening the enamel, mouthwash is incredibly effective in enhancing regular hygiene habits. Choosing a mouthwash with fluoride and rinsing before and after brushing your teeth can help you reap all the benefits that this product provides.
Take the Time
Preventative dentistry is essential to your overall health. There are so many dental issues you could avoid altogether by just taking four minutes out of your day to perform a little upkeep. To learn more about at-home care and our options for preventive dental services, call and schedule an appointment with Dental Arts of Totowa today!