Whether or not you have a regular dentist or dental hygienist, understanding a few essential facts about dental hygiene can significantly improve your oral health. Keep reading to discover tips that can help you maintain a healthy smile.
I. Dental Hygienists
An important member of your family dentist team, a dental hygienist plays a vital role in assessing your oral health during every visit. They review your medical history and identify potential concerns to discuss with the dentist. Dental hygiene services typically include professional teeth cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, fluoride treatments, and the application of dental sealants.
Patient education is also an important part of a dental hygienist’s work. This includes teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques and more, as you will soon read.
II. Brushing and Flossing
Brushing your teeth removes the sticky film of bacteria called plaque that covers your teeth and gums throughout the day, and flossing helps remove the plaque from all the spots between your teeth and along the gum line that your toothbrush can’t reach – that’s nearly 50% of the surface area of your teeth!
The best protocol for brushing is double-double: brush twice a day for two minutes. Flossing can be done once and as needed.
III. Regular Dental Checkups
Even if you brush and floss according to protocol (25% of adults do not), bi-annual checkups with your family dentist and their team of professional dental hygienists are recommended for early detection of oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, and even cancers. Checkups also create a perfect opportunity to receive thorough teeth cleanings.
IV. Oral Health Is Linked to Overall Health
Not only do you need a healthy set of teeth to eat and stay nourished, but good oral health can also help you avoid serious illnesses and health complications, such as you may have seen on TV – yes, an infected tooth can land you in the hospital with sepsis, blood clots, endocarditis, or a brain abscess, but those are extreme cases.
The more common link between oral health and overall health is related to gum disease (also known as gingivitis in its mildest form and periodontitis in its most severe and irreversible form). It can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and respiratory infections. There may also be a link to dementia. There is also a bidirectional relationship between gum disease and diabetes: gum disease can worsen diabetes control, and diabetes can increase your susceptibility to gum disease.
But there is good news!
V. Your Diet Can Improve Your Oral Health
You probably already know that sugary drinks and candies can increase tooth decay (especially without proper teeth cleaning), but good dietary choices can improve oral health.
Coconut, for example, has antibacterial properties, and dairy products contain calcium and casein, which strengthen and protect teeth.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables can scrub your teeth as you chew and stimulate saliva production, naturally cleaning your teeth.
Nuts, leafy greens, fatty fish, and whole grains are other foods that can improve your oral and overall health.
Take Care of Your Oral Health in London, Ontario
Cosmo Dental Centre in London, Ontario, is open to anyone seeking to improve their dental hygiene and oral health.
Contact us to learn more about our dental hygiene services and our participation in the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
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