General Oral Hygiene
You may be considering a dental
implant do to tooth lose from an accident or gum disease. Good oral
hygiene and good general health will help your new dental implant(s) to
last a very long time. If you already met with an implant dentist you
were already made aware that smokers are not good candidates for a
dental implant. Smoking after the procedure is something that can
compromise your new implant and the health of your natural teeth.
Your implant dentist will give you
specific instructions on hygiene for your implant. The following are
some general guidlines for proper dental hygiene.
What is daily oral health care?
The best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth
every day. Brushing removes plaque from the tooth surfaces. Brush your teeth twice a day,
with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth,
allowing you to reach all areas easily. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which
helps protect your teeth from decay. Cleaning between the teeth once a day with floss or
interdental cleaners removes plaque from between the teeth where the toothbrush can't
reach. It is essential in preventing gum disease. Follow these tips to keep your teeth and
mouth clean:
How do I best brush my teeth?
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against
the gums.
Move the brush back and forth gently in short
(tooth-wide) strokes.
Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth
surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the
inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your
breath.
How do I floss my teeth?
Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of
it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of
the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Hold the floss
tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle
rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a
C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub
the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.
Don't forget the back side of your last tooth.
People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to use another kind of
interdental cleaner. These aids include special brushes, picks or sticks. If you use
interdental cleaners, ask your dentist about how to use them properly, to avoid injuring
your gums.
Why bother with dental health, especially with time and financial constraints?
There may be countless personal priorities (time, finances, etc.) that may postpone or
cause avoidance regarding a person's desire for a healthy mouth and a dazzling smile. In
the long run, however, tooth decay that could be easily cared for by a conservative
filling, after less than a year's neglect, may result in root canal therapy and a crown at
a cost of twelve to fifteen times the cost of a filling. It is important to ask your
dentist how often you need a check-up to avoid costly and more complex treatment.
Delaying preventive care is not cost-effective--not to mention the risk to one's health.
By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly,
you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile your entire life.
Next: Understand and
manage your fears and pain
- A helpful tooth chart.
- Which dental specialties
perform which dental procedures.
- What to look for in a good
dental relationship.
- What can be done to stop tooth
decay.
- Learn what Halitosis is and what
you can do about it.
- General oral hygiene information for that great new
smile.
- Learn to understand and
manage fears of pain or gagging
- Sleep through dental
procedures.
- Glossary of dental terms
- Useful links that will be
helpful to you while you're doing your research
- A list of Dental Schools
- A checklist will help you to
find the right cosmetic dentist for you.
   
|
