Good oral hygiene is the key to a healthier smile for life. At On Point Dental, we will help you and your family to develop comprehensive oral hygiene plans so that you’ll only need to visit our clinic for your regular check-ups.
What are the benefits of good oral hygiene?
Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to your oral health, and by following your dentist’s oral hygiene advice, you will be less likely to need dental procedures such as extractions, fillings and root canals.
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily and maintaining a diet low in sugar helps to prevent plaque build-up. Plaque can cause a number of problems with your teeth and gums.
Good oral hygiene can prevent:
- Tooth decay, yellowing and erosion
- Gum disease (periodontal disease)
- Heart disease and other systemic diseases
- Bad breath
What does good oral hygiene involve?
Teeth brushing
Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Make sure you brush every part of your mouth, including your tongue and gums.
Floss and mouthwash
Floss between your teeth after brushing at least once a day to remove trapped food. Your dentist may also recommend gargling with a fluoride mouthwash after every meal.
Healthy diet
Bacteria feed on sugar, so you can prevent the spread of plaque by reducing the amount of sugar in your food and drink. You should also avoid hard foods and acidic drinks if these are causing damage to your teeth.
What happens during oral examinations?
We recommend that you schedule an oral examination at our dental clinic every six months. This gives our dentists the opportunity to catch early stages of tooth decay and gum disease, making it easier to treat, so you are less likely to need a dental procedure.
During your oral exam, we will also clean and scale your teeth to remove any plaque that may already be present. We aim to create a casual and relaxed atmosphere at our clinic to help people of all ages enjoy a positive experience.
