Oral Hygiene: At Home Dental Care
So many people underestimate the importance of proper oral health care, both at home and at the dentist. Whether it’s because they don’t think they can afford a dental visit or they don’t believe the hype about proper brushing and flossing techniques, people often choose to ignore dental problems until they become dental emergencies. Visiting an emergency room for a tooth-related problem, though, can cost patients up to 10 times more than getting care in a private dental office. To help avoid dental emergencies, we recommend proper at-home dental care combined with regular visits to Williamsville Family Dentistry.
Dental Care & Prevention Basics
You’ve heard it before: brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, and don’t forget to floss! Try to brush after every meal, too, or at least floss. Maybe it sounds like too much to you, but those guidelines really are the best way to ensure optimal dental health. Caring for your teeth at home between your regular dental visits is an easy way to prevent major dental issues from arising.
So what’s the best way to care for your teeth at home? It’s simple. Choose a toothbrush. Manual or electric, either will do. Choose a toothpaste, preferably one with fluoride in it for extra protection. When you brush, move in small circles over all edges of your teeth. Don’t forget to brush your gums, too! Flossing will help get any extra food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Follow this routine every morning and evening to give your teeth and smile the care they deserve.
Regular Dental Visits
In addition to caring for your teeth at home, everyone should visit the dentist at least twice a year. Your at-home routine goes a long way in preventing dental issues, but problems may still arise, and regular exams help our team diagnose and treat these problems before they require extensive, and often expensive, procedures.
During your exam, our team will not only look at your teeth, but also at your gums. Periodontal disease, ranging from mild gingivitis to more severe periodontitis, can lead to other health issues, so it is key that we treat any signs of disease as early as possible.
Advanced Dental Technology & Proper Care
In an effort to provide our patients with the best possible care, we utilize advanced technology during exams and cleanings.
Digital X-rays allow us to quickly and easily see your teeth and jawbone. Digital X-rays don’t use the sharp and uncomfortable film that traditional X-rays use, and they emit up to 90 percent less radiation, making them great for all of our patients. We also use an intraoral camera to take photos of the inside of your mouth. This is a vital part of patient education, as these photos let us show you what we see inside your mouth and walk you through your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Because early diagnosis is key to treating many dental issues, we use the DIAGNOdent laser-assisted cavity detection system. With this system, we can see small areas of decay that might otherwise go undetected. Early decay detection means that we can place smaller fillings and leave more of your healthy tooth structure intact.