If you think you’re in good oral health but still have dental problems, you may need to improve your oral hygiene routine. As your dental office in Lexington, KY, we want you to know how to properly care for your smile when you aren’t in our office. A proper oral hygiene routine can help you maintain good oral health and prevent future dental problems.
Oral Hygiene Tips from Your Dentist in Lexington, KY
One step of a good oral hygiene routine that patients often skip is flossing. Flossing is as important as brushing. Flossing before brushing can remove food debris and bacteria from between teeth and on the gums. You can use many types of floss, from waxed and unwaxed thread floss to water flossers and dental tape. If you have dental restorations like dentures or mobility issues that make flossing difficult, a water flosser or threader may be right for you.
We also recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Avoiding toothpaste with abrasive ingredients that can potentially damage weak teeth. When choosing a brush, find one with soft bristles. Ensure you aren’t brushing too hard; brushing harder doesn’t mean you’re getting a better clean.
Aggressive brushing can cause possible tooth wear or gum recession. When brushing with a manual brush, rotate the brush in a circular motion, beginning at the front of your teeth. Then move to the chewing surfaces and behind each tooth arch. You don’t need to rotate your brush if you have an electric toothbrush.
If you have traditional dental braces, it is important to thread floss through your wires to reach between your teeth. Alternatively, if you have clear aligners like Invisalign, remove your aligners before brushing and flossing your teeth. Then, you need to clean your aligners separately. A mouthguard soak is one of the best methods of cleaning these aligners.
Dental Problems Connected to Poor Oral Hygiene
Patients with poor oral hygiene can face these problems:
- Bad Breath: Halitosis, or bad breath, can be chronic or transitory. Many people can get bad breath by eating garlic, onions, or other smelly foods. However, problems like dry mouth and poor oral hygiene can cause chronic bad breath. Properly brushing and flossing can help patients achieve fresher breath and potentially combat dry mouth.
- Gum Disease: Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection. Gum disease starts as gum inflammation, called gingivitis. Harmful bacteria feed on food debris left on the gums and irritate the gum tissue. What can start as bleeding or irritated gums can eventually cause gum recession and tooth loss. Flossing is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease and reverse early signs of gingivitis.
- Tooth Decay: If patients don’t properly care for their smiles or don’t brush or floss enough, they can develop tooth decay. Like gum disease, harmful bacteria can irritate and break down enamel. Over time, patients with tooth decay may experience pits or holes in their teeth called cavities. Patients who don’t take care of their teeth and end up with bad cavities and tooth damage might have to get their adult teeth pulled.
Hidden Culprits: Surprising Habits That Harm Your Teeth
Even with good brushing habits, certain everyday behaviors can undermine your oral health. Chewing ice, biting nails, or using teeth as tools to open packages can cause chips and cracks. Sipping sugary or acidic drinks throughout the day bathes teeth in enamel-eroding substances.
If you snack frequently, especially on carbs or sweets, you’re giving cavity-causing bacteria constant fuel. Being mindful of these habits can make a big difference in protecting your teeth, gums, and smile.
The Mouth-Body Connection: How Oral Health Affects Overall Health
Your mouth is a window to your general health. Gum disease has been linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even pregnancy complications. Oral bacteria can cause inflammation that gets into your bloodstream and affects other parts of your body.
This is why taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about a pretty smile. It’s about maintaining your whole-body wellness. Regular dental checkups can catch early signs of trouble.
Are You Missing These Spots? Common Areas People Forget to Clean
Even diligent brushers often overlook key areas. The gumline, where plaque loves to hide, needs gentle angled brushing. Back molars, with their grooves and tight spaces, are cavity hotspots. Don’t forget your tongue because it harbors bacteria that cause bad breath.
You can make your breath fresher and keep your mouth cleaner by using a tongue scraper or brushing your tongue. If you wear dental appliances like retainers or night guards, they need daily cleaning too.
When to Upgrade Your Dental Tools
Your toothbrush shouldn’t be frayed or older than 3-4 months because worn bristles don’t clean effectively. If you’ve been sick, replace your brush to avoid reinfection. If you have trouble with your hands, an electric toothbrush could help you clean your teeth better.
Water flossers are game-changers for people with braces, bridges, or arthritis. Your Lexington dentist can recommend tools tailored to your needs during your next visit.
Signs It’s Time to See Your Dentist
Don’t wait for toothaches. Schedule an appointment if you notice gums that bleed easily, new sensitivity to hot/cold, or persistent bad breath. White spots on teeth can signal early decay, while dark stains might mean deeper issues. If your teeth feel rough or sticky, plaque may have hardened into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove it.
Preventive care saves you from bigger problems and larger bills later. Do you need more tips to care for your smile? Call Complete Dentistry for All Ages today at 859-251-3809. Schedule your next dental exam online today.