Just about every patient who visits a dental practice will leave with a few tips about oral hygiene. Dental professionals can be a valuable resource for how to keep the mouth healthy and can talk at length about oral hygiene. Here are four things a dentist may want you to know about how to care for the mouth.

Four healthy habits to incorporate

While tooth brushing before bed is a good start, there are other habits to form that can encourage oral health.

1. Do not rinse right away

Most people tend to use toothpaste in a similar manner to soap. After applying the toothpaste and lathering up, water is used to rinse out the residue. The truth is, toothpaste can be more effective when allowed to remain on the teeth. It is a topical agent and useful for more than scrubbing away food particles. The ingredients in toothpaste can get rid of harmful bacteria, and leaving it on the teeth longer can give it more time to work. After brushing, spit out the foam, but refrain from rinsing for 30 minutes for maximum results.

2. Take a good look when brushing

Not all tooth issues cause pain until the problem is serious. There can be visible signs of tooth decay before any pain is felt, and picking up on these indicators can allow a dentist to prevent further damage to the tooth. The following are warning signs to look for when brushing:

• Brown spots

• Spots that look dull or soft

• Pits or indents

• Gum recession

Any of these can indicate tooth decay and should result in a visit to the dentist.

3. Do not ignore pain

In many cases, people do not visit a dental practice until they experience severe pain. This can result in extensive, costly repairs. By alerting a dental professional at the first hint of pain, the procedures required to fix the issue can be minor. Even if the sensation is closer to discomfort or heightened sensitivity than actual pain, it can still be worth mentioning. After all, sensations are the body’s way of pointing out problems or irregularities.

4. Floss daily

Sporadic flossing can actually be harmful to the gums. Those who only floss once a week or when there is a piece of popcorn lodged in the teeth are at a higher risk of gum disease. When teeth are not flossed daily, plaque, tartar and bacteria can build up around the gum line and cause infection, irritation and swelling. Flossing irritated gums every so often can only irritate them more and make the problem worse. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for oral health. Regularly brushing and flossing with proper technique helps in keeping the mouth clean and aids in detecting any changes early. Monitoring the teeth’s appearance and sensations can help in identifying possible problems early on and seeking timely treatment from a dental professional. To book an appointment, you can reach out to us or visit our dental office in Boca Raton.