Dentistry: At Home Oral Care

The overall emphasis of dentistry is to diagnose, treat, and prevent issues of the oral cavity. There are general practitioners - dentists, surgeons, and even specialized professionals, including orthodontists. Twice yearly exams and cleanings are important but it is the day-to-day maintenance that really makes a difference in a person's health and appearance. Brushing: Many people today are brushing regularly without seeing the results they had hoped for. Aside from the toothbrush and toothpaste used, the problem is often in the technique. How much time do people spend brushing their teeth? Dentistry experts consider two minutes to be the amount of time it takes to brush correctly. There is no need to press hard against the teeth. It may feel like this is really getting the area clean but it could actually be damaging the tooth. Use gentle pressure and light strokes to go over every part of the teeth. This includes the front, the back, and the tops. Don't overlook the gum line. Gently brush here as well. Remember that not every part of the mouth is easily accessible. It may take some maneuvering to reach those difficult places in the back. Flossing: One of the most ignored suggestions provided to patients by dentistry professionals is flossing regularly. There is no way that a toothbrush can reach the small spaces in between teeth. It is also impossible to completely clean the gum line without the assistance of floss. Even knowing this information, most people don't take the time to floss. Floss needs to slide in between every tooth. It should gently bring out particles that are stuck and items that are hiding beneath the surface of the gum line. It should not be done roughly, as this could cause more harm than good. Just like brushing, to do the job effectively, it should take some time. Rinsing: Not all dentistry professionals give their patients specific instruction on rinsing with mouthwash. The may recommend that people use it frequently and in severe cases, it could be prescribed to a patient that needs an extra step in their oral care routine. If there is a lack of professional guidance when it comes to rinsing, take the time to read the label. Most mouthwashes are used once or twice a day. A specific amount should be dispensed. In some cases, the mouthwash needs to be diluted before it can be used. It shouldn't be swallowed. For somewhere between thirty-seconds to a full minute, the wash should move around the mouth. It is often described as "swishing and spitting." These oral care solutions are most affective when they are used together. One action cannot be considered a substitution for the other.