At BellaVista DentalCare, patients in the area of Phoenix, AZ will be able to enjoy quality treatments from Drs. Rashmi Bhatnagar and Dallin Birch. With decades of combined experience, our professionals are ready to offer new and existing patients in the community comprehensive dental solutions for the smile. Many patients who visit their dentist in Phoenix, AZ may ask, what is the importance of good oral hygiene?
What is good oral hygiene?
The smile is meant to last a lifetime, and this is definitely possible when patients are maintaining their oral health and wellness. Our dentists can educate patients on the ways in which they can keep their smile healthy, including the teeth, gum tissues, and bone. Below are a few things patients should be aware of when it comes to ensuring problems such as periodontal disease and gum disease do not develop:
- Brushing – patients should brush their teeth once in the morning, and before bedtime to maintain their oral health. Brushing should be done with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristled brush. Patients should make sure that they brush for 2 minutes minimum get all the teeth in the smile each time. Additionally, patients should brush their tongue to help combat bad breath.
- Flossing – flossing should also be done before bedtime. By using floss, patients can remove food particles that can become trapped between teeth. These food particles can break down and contribute to the development of cavities as they leave sugars and acids on the surfaces of the tooth enamel. Flossing should be done with great care. If unsure how to floss properly, patients are welcome to ask their dentist about the methods they recommend for the most thorough regimen.[call]
- Visiting the dentist – the American Dental Association recommends that everyone see their dentist at least twice a year, or every six months, for a dental cleaning and a thorough examination. This is done to help patients maintain their oral health and wellness. Conditions such as tooth decay and periodontal disease can be spotted early enough to ensure successful intervention by our dentists. This is also a great time for the patients to bring up any concerns they may have about their oral health. Patients should not only visit their dentist every six months, but they should book an appointment whenever they have a concern about their smile. For example, patients experiencing persistent bleeding while brushing and flossing may have the early stage of periodontal disease, that condition should not wait until a later appointment. Other problems that can arise that may need immediate care include severe toothaches, sensitive teeth, and damage or trauma to the smile.
Why is preventative care so important?
Our team also stresses the importance of preventative care. This is the care patients take to maintain their oral health in a proactive way. Patients who only participate in reactive care for their smile will often spend more money over time and experience more damage to their natural smile. Instead, patients should visit their dentist regularly for examinations and make their oral health a priority; thereby, avoiding problems that can permanently impair the smile’s health, function, or beauty. Many conditions, including periodontal disease, may not be cured but only controlled. By avoiding the development of this condition in the first place, patients are making their oral health a priority and protecting their smile from unwanted and permanent damage.
What is done for dental decay and periodontal disease?
Patients who have been diagnosed with an area of dental decay will need to have fillings placed to keep the decay from getting larger and deeper within the tooth. When patients have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, the type of treatment will vary depending on the stage at which it has reached.
Interested in discussing the benefits of good oral hygiene habits?
Speak with the team at BellaVista DentalCare in Phoenix, AZ to work with our dentists, Drs. Rashmi Bhatnagar and Dallin Birch, to learn how to brush, floss, and be proactive about your oral health care. We are conveniently located at 15715 South 46th Street in Suite 104 and can be reached by phone at 480-598-5900. Our two dentists have almost thirty years of combined experience in providing general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care solutions for patients in and around the community.