Oral Hygiene
Wilmington, DE
 At Delaware Periodontics, Dr. Klassman provides quality implants, laser gum treatment, and periodontal care to Wilmington, DE patients, but treatment is only part of a healthy beautiful smile.
We use the latest technology to help you put your best smile forward, but good oral hygiene is the key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Using the correct brushing and flossing technique in your regular regimen is crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth.
Brushing
Use a small strip of fluoride toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush. Apply small circular motions to reach under your gumline. Brush all areas between the teeth and on the surface of each tooth while holding the toothbrush at an angle. Finish by brushing your tongue and the roof of your mouth and thoroughly rinsing after.
To avoid unwanted food particles and plaque, brush your teeth four times a day:
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In the morning after breakfast
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After lunch or right after school
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After dinner
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At bedtime |
It is important to floss and brush carefully every day to maintain a healthy mouth and good oral hygiene. Once your toothbrush bristles start to wear down or fray, replace your toothbrush with a new one. Do not swallow any toothpaste.
Flossing
Use dental floss to remove food particles and plaque between teeth. Dental floss is a thin thread of waxed nylon that is used to reach below the gumline and clean between teeth. Wrap the ends of the floss tightly around your middle fingers and guide it between teeth to the gumline, clean each tooth side, and pull out any food particles or plaque. Move to the next clean section of floss and repeat.
Always floss at night before you go to bed to make sure your teeth are clean. If your gums bleed when you first start flossing, that’s normal, but if the bleeding does not stop after the first few times, contact your dentist. To maintain good oral hygiene, you must floss your teeth every day.
Diet Control
Your teeth, gums, and bones thrive when a healthy diet, including the five food groups, is followed. This well-balanced diet will help minimize and avoid cavities as well as other dental problems while promoting stronger teeth. Certain foods will increase the chances of these dental problems and should be avoided.
Follow a healthy diet:
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Avoid candies, cookies, chips, and crackers
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Eat vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and cheese |
Dental Visits
Regular dental checkups enable your dentist to detect early signs of decay and disease, so it is recommended you see your general dentist every six months. To keep your healthy smile, it is necessary to receive professional cleanings and regular checkups.
During this visit, your dentist will examine your teeth, find any existing dental problems, and propose any treatment needed. In the event of a dental emergency, call your dentist immediately.
Tooth Decay Prevention
Tooth decay is a disease that results from naturally occurring bacteria on your teeth and sugars from a normal everyday diet. The sugars cause the bacteria to react and produce acids that break down the minerals in the teeth and result in a cavity.
Your dentist will remove the decay and fill the tooth using a filling, or for severe decay, covering it with a crown. The best way to prevent decay is to follow these guidelines and maintain a healthy oral hygiene regimen.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and more resistant to decay. Drinking water treated with fluoride and brushing and flossing regularly ensure significantly lower cavities. Dentists can evaluate the level of fluoride in a primary drinking water source and recommend fluoride supplements, if necessary.
Contact Our Office
By following these oral hygiene tips, you will do your part to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. If you are interested in quality periodontal care, including dental implants and laser gum treatment, please contact us at 302-551-3553 or use our online form to request an appointment. |
