Harvest the Benefits of Good Dental Care

Dentists recommend regular dental cleanings. Such cleanings offer numerous benefits for both your oral and overall health. They help prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss, while also improving breath and potentially lowering the risk of certain systemic diseases. Additionally, cleanings can brighten your smile and provide early detection of potential oral health issues.

For most people, twice-yearly cleaning is recommended. With regular dental care at home, you can maximize your chances of keeping your teeth, gums, breath, and overall health in good condition.

If you have no dental insurance from your company or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can buy one from your insurance agent or your dental office.

Care at Home

Why is home dental care so important? Good genes are not enough.

Most children with many cavities and missing teeth have fallen prey to dental neglect. A number of children fail to brush their teeth at all, or only brush in the morning to improve their breath.  So for them, it becomes purely a social function.

However, brushing teeth at night is generally considered more important than brushing only in the morning because it removes the day's buildup of food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease while you sleep. During sleep, saliva production decreases, making your mouth more vulnerable to acid attacks from bacteria feeding on leftover food debris, according to hygienists.

For optimal dental health, brush both morning and night, say hygienists.

Location, culture, transportation, dental insurance are all factors in why some areas are renowned for good dental care and other areas are even dubbed dental deserts.

Family habits run strong through the generations. Personal choices can overcome the dental neglect of the ages. Make dental care a priority.

Brushing

The most recommended method for brushing teeth is the Bass technique (also known as sulcular brushing). This method involves positioning the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line and using gentle, short, circular or back-and-forth motions to clean around and under the gums, effectively removing plaque and bacteria

Glossing

To effectively floss your teeth, use about 18 inches of floss, wrap most of it around your middle fingers, and guide it between your teeth using your thumbs and index fingers. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, curve it around each tooth in a C-shape, and move it up and down to clean the surfaces and below the gumline.

Water Picks

Ease of use, especially for specific needs: Many people find water flossers easier to use than traditional string floss. This is particularly true for individuals with limited dexterity or dentures, or sensitive gums.  Water picks are also said to be more effective than conventional flossing.

Dentists and hygienists are increasingly recommending water picks to supplement brushing and mouthwash.

Mouth Rinse Versus Mouthwash

Mouthwash

While the terms "mouthwash" and "mouth rinse" are often used interchangeably, mouthwash generally refers to a product containing antibacterial ingredients to kill germs and disinfect the mouth.

Mouth rinse

Mouth rinse can be used for additional purposes, including delivering fluoride, reducing sensitivity, or simply freshening breath, and may not always contain antibacterial properties.

Mouthwash or Mouth Rinse, Which Is Better for Dental Health

Both mouthwash and mouth rinse can be beneficial for dental health, but they serve slightly different purposes. Mouthwash, particularly those containing fluoride or antiseptic ingredients, is generally more effective for addressing specific oral health concerns like cavities or gingivitis.

Mouth rinse, often used as a general term, can encompass various types, including saltwater rinses, which are helpful for soothing irritation and promoting healing.