Choosing the Right Toothbrush
The brand matters less than the bristle type and head size. Opt for a soft, small-headed toothbrush to prevent gum irritation. Avoid scrubbing; focus on brushing twice daily and regular dentist visits.
Toothpaste and Fluoride
Use fluoride-containing toothpaste for dental health. Sunnyvale dentist Dr. Gupta recommends toothpaste that tastes good to you. Avoid abrasive whitening toothpaste and maintain regular brushing and flossing.
Plaque and Dental Disease
Plaque, a film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, causes tooth decay. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental aids control plaque growth, preventing gum and bone damage.
Tooth Brushing Techniques
- Use an ADA-approved soft bristle brush.
- Brush at a 45-degree angle in a circular motion.
- Brush outer, inner, and biting surfaces.
- Clean inside front teeth using the brush head tip.
- Brush the tongue for fresh breath.
- Electric toothbrushes are efficient, especially for braces.
Flossing for Healthy Gums
- Use 12-16 inches of dental floss.
- Guide floss between teeth with a sawing motion.
- Curve floss into a “C” shape around each tooth.
- Move floss up and down, cleaning each tooth.
- Floss holders are suitable alternatives.
Mouth Rinsing
Rinse with water after brushing and post-meals if unable to brush. Consult Dr. Gupta for appropriate over-the-counter rinses to maintain optimal oral hygiene and address specific dental concerns.
Dental Checkups and Cleanings
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year.
- Comprehensive exams include medical history review.
- X-rays detect decay, tumors, and bone loss.
- Oral cancer screening and gum disease evaluation.
- Assessment of existing restorations.
- Removal of calculus and plaque.
- Teeth polishing for stain removal.
- Oral hygiene and dietary recommendations.
Importance of Regular Check-ups
Beyond cavity checks, regular visits address overall health, x-rays, oral cancer screening, gum health, existing restorations, and more. Sunnyvale Dental Care prioritizes your well-being.
Regular Dental Exam Includes
Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health.
- Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your over all health and also your dental health.
- Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
- Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any sings of oral cancer.
- Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
- Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
- Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
- Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
- Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
- Teeth polishing: Removes external stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
- Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
- Review dietary habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health.
As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. At Sunnyvale Dental Care, we are committed to providing you with the best possible care, and to do so will require regular check-ups and cleanings.