People often ask our hygienist in Richmond about the best ways to keep their teeth clean and healthy. Here at Sheen Dental, we understand that having clean, bright teeth and fresh breath is important for our patients and we offer many means of assistance to help them achieve that. This guide explores how patients can take charge of their oral health so that they can have a great smile for many years to come, including seeing our hygienist in Richmond and our dentist, as well as taking good care at home.
Visit the hygienist
Many people view visiting the hygienist in Richmond as an optional extra for oral care. It is in fact essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. No matter how rigorous a person is with brushing and flossing at home, they will not be able to remove every particle of plaque or other debris. This is where the hygienist comes in.
We offer a professional clean that goes into all the nooks and crannies that home care has not quite managed to reach. The result is that the teeth feel properly clean, and the breath is completely fresh. As well as a feeling of cleanliness and increased confidence in being minty fresh, our scale and polish can help to prevent the development of inflammation in the gums. This can be sore and uncomfortable and can lead to gum disease and even tooth loss.
Dental check-ups
Dental check-ups are important for having healthy teeth. People sometimes mistakenly think that because they are not aware of any issues with their teeth or gums, then there is no need to go to the dentist. However, we can spot issues before the patient has any awareness of them and take action to stop them from causing further damage or discomfort. This can save the patient time, money and difficulty in the future. We also routinely check for any signs of oral cancer. The earlier this is identified, the easier it is to treat and the less likely it is to spread to other parts of the body.
Keep clean at home
Keeping the teeth clean at home is not just a matter of a quick brush when a person remembers. Brushing must be done for two minutes to be fully thorough, which is something that many people do not manage. Using a timer on a phone can help to ensure that enough time is spent on this important task and electric brushes, if used, will often beep after two minutes of brushing.
It is also important to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Some natural toothpastes have become fashionable in recent years, but many of these contain little or no fluoride. This means that the teeth will be vulnerable to damage and sensitivity. If in any doubt, check with us to ensure that the toothpaste being used meets fluoride requirements.
Flossing is best done before bed, as it is during the night that food debris and plaque and fester on the teeth and cause problems. Interdental brushes can be used as an alternative.
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