At Chattanooga Periodontics & Dental Implants in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Dr. Randall and their expert team of dental professionals want to make sure you stay up to date on methods and techniques that allow you to avoid developing Gum Disease and other oral and periodontal misfortunes. Listed below are some basic oral hygiene tips to brush up on that can go a long way.
1. Floss
You should try to floss at least once or maybe twice a day. Doing this can greatly reduce the amount of plaque and food that’s beyond your toothbrush’s reach. The great thing is, it doesn’t matter when you floss. You can floss at night, or you can do it in the morning, as long as you just floss.
2. Get regular dental cleanings
Most dentists can detect if you are showing gum disease symptoms if you see them on a regular basis. This means symptoms can be eliminated before they become unmanageable. Professional dental cleanings are the best way to remove tartar. Cleanings can also rid you of any plaque you missed when you were brushing or flossing. Regular dental cleanings can help reverse gingivitis as well.
3. Quit smoking
As if you needed a better reason to quit. Smoking has a strong association with gum disease. Smoking is known to weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off gum infections. This comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Plus, smoking makes it difficult for your gums to heal once they’ve been damaged and repaired.
4. Brush twice a day
Brushing your teeth after every meal, this is something that we’ve all been taught. Doing this helps to remove food and plaque trapped between your teeth. Be sure to scrub your tongue too, since it can harbor unseen bacteria. The toothbrush you choose should have soft bristles that fit in your mouth comfortably.
You might want to consider a battery-powered toothbrush. They help reduce gingivitis and plaque more than manually brushing. Keep in mind that toothbrushes or toothbrush heads should be swapped out every three to four months, sometimes even sooner if the bristles start to fray.
If you have any questions or concerns about your dental health, don’t hesitate to contact our offices in Chattanooga, Tennessee to schedule an appointment to speak with Drs. Felts or Randall.
