Basic Dental Care in New Castle

Basic dental care is just what the name implies; it is the minimum you need to do to ensure your dental health. Basic dental care includes:

• Brushing twice a day for two minutes
• Flossing daily
• Getting regular dental checkups
• Having your teeth professionally cleaned every six months

Our dentist in New Castle is the ideal person to help you achieve your dental health goals. Click here to schedule an exam and cleaning.

Protect Your Teeth From Plaque With Twice Daily Brushing

If you don’t brush every morning and evening for two minutes at a time, plaque builds up on your teeth. Plaque is the film that builds up if it isn’t removed regularly, and it can damage tooth enamel and cause cavities. Some people prefer to brush more often, usually after a meal. If you eat or drink anything acidic, wait at least a half an hour before brush, as acidic foods can leave tooth enamel temporarily weak.

Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage tooth enamel. Choosing a toothbrush with bristles of different heights will help clean your teeth better and the bristles will reach in all the nooks and crannies. Using a toothbrush with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance means you’ll get an effective product that won’t harm your teeth.

Replace your toothbrush often, about every four months, to ensure the bristles don’t fray and become less effective. To avoid bacteria on your toothbrush, rinse it in hot water before and after every use. You can also soak your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash for two minutes once in a while. Don’t do this too often though, as it can weaken the bristles.

Are Fluoride Toothpastes Good For Me?

ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste brands are an important part of your dental care routine if you’re interested in helping prevent decay. Fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to the acids in plaque. If you spit out the extra toothpaste after brushing your teeth and don’t rinse with water, the fluoride will stay on your teeth longer. If you’re an adult who is not getting enough fluoride, such as your municipal water isn’t fluoridated, your dentist may suggest ways for you to get more fluoride. There are fluoride treatment, dentist-prescribed high fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes with fluoride.

How Often Should I Floss?

The American Dental Association recommends you floss one time per day. It doesn’t matter when you floss, but most people prefer flossing before brushing, so they can spit out the plaque and food debris with their toothpaste. It’s important to remove plaque and food debris from between all of your teeth to help prevent decay and gum disease. Don’t forget the back of the last molar in your mouth. It should take you under five minutes using traditional string floss.

A CDC study claims over 30% of Americans don’t floss at all. If you have arthritis or other mobility issues, it’s hard to use string floss. Electric picks or water flossers are just as effective, and easier to use. There are many flossing options; just pick one you will stick with to help protect your dental health.

What Else Can I Do to Enhance My Dental Health?

Your dentist might recommend a therapeutic mouthwash. Therapeutic mouthwashes do more than freshen breath; they can add more fluoride to your teeth or help reduce plaque.

Your nutrition choices affect your oral health. Eating foods or drinking beverages increases your risk of decay. Foods that are good for your teeth include:

• Low fat dairy products without added sugar
• Leafy greens
• Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
• Lean nuts
• Nuts

Drinking water instead of grabbing a soda will also benefit your teeth, as well as your body.

Quit tobacco use. It stains your teeth and dries out your mouth. Tobacco use also increases your risk of developing oral cancer.

How Do I Clean My Teeth While I’m Out?

In a pinch, you can rinse your mouth out with water. Some people carry a travel size toothbrush and toothpaste with them. These are convenient, but make sure the brush end has a cap over it so it can dry out between uses and stay protected from bacteria. Eating a crunchy apple after a meal or snack will also clean your teeth. If you don’t have a kit for brushing your teeth when you are out, rinse with water until you can brush.

Can Poor Dental Care Hurt My Overall Health?

If you don’t brush and floss like you’re supposed to, and you skip dental exams, you could hurt more than your dental health. If you develop gum disease, the inflammation can increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Severe gum disease increases a pregnant woman’s chance of having a low birth weight, preterm baby. As such, it’s incredibly important to practice good dental health.

Click here to schedule your appointment for a dental cleaning or checkup.

Why Is Seeing a Dentist New Castle Regularly Important?

Having an exam every six months gives your dentist the opportunity to catch any problems, like cavities or gum disease, when they are just starting. You can also get your teeth professionally cleaned before your exam. Your dental hygienist can assess your at-home dental care routine and see if there are any areas you’re missing. You can get a recommendation for better flossing and brushing, and products that can help you do a better job.

Your dentist can also screen you for oral cancer. It’s more prevalent than most people believe. The screening is quick and non-invasive. While oral cancer is more common in smokers, about one-quarter of the people who develop oral cancer don’t have any risk factors.

If you want a healthy smile for life, brush and floss, avoid sweets and see your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and an exam. We would love to do our part in giving you a smile that makes you feel proud. Click here to schedule an appointment with our dental office today.