In 2020, Covid-19 scared millions of patients into cancelling scheduled appointments to the dentist. This is unfortunate, since regular dental care and checkups are necessary for a bright smile as well as overall health. What’s more, research points to links between good oral hygiene and a reduced risk of disease. In honor of National Smile Month, we want to take this opportunity to remind you to schedule a checkup and dental cleaning. We would love to help you stay healthy by taking care of your teeth!
Regular Smile Checkups at least once every Six Months
Regular checkups are essential for healthy teeth and gums. Dentists recommend their patients brush at least twice a day to remove damaging tartar and spots. Also, make sure your dental health professional checks your oral health twice a year, so they can spot significant changes to teeth and gums. Most checkups and cleaninginclude scaling, which is the scraping of plaque and tartar from teeth, and then buffing with a paste that polishes the teeth. Dr. Wong and his staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use modern equipment, including an ultrasonic scaler, which provides patients with fast and relatively pain-free high-pressure water cleaning process, designed to remove plaque and make for a brighter smile.
A checkup from a qualified Glendora dentist will also include an examination of your gums and throat to spot any signs of trouble…including oral cancer. Early detection is as important for cancers of the mouth as it is for every other part of the body.
Use the Right Toothbrush for a Bright Smile
Choose the proper toothbrush to effectively clean teeth without inadvertently causing damage. Use a soft bristled toothbrush, as the medium and hard versions can erode gums. Beyond the brush, remember to brush your teeth at least two minutes. If you’re not sure how long that is and don’t have access to an egg timer, sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Also, make sure the brush is properly angled relative to the gum/tooth line.
Electronic and battery-operated toothbrushes remove more plaque than traditional toothbrushes because they are reach deeply into periodontal pockets to aid in the prevention of gum disease. Many electronic toothbrushes feature audible sounds which indicate when the brush should move from one section of the mouth to another, which can be particularly helpful for children.
Flossing for a Smile
While mouthwash removes a modicum of plaque, you should also floss to scrape plaque buildup and pieces of food that sometimes lodge between teeth. Flossing and/or using a Waterpik are essential tools for preventing gingivitis, and other serious conditions which can result in bone and tooth loss. The point of floss is to reach areas that aren’t readily accessible by a toothbrush. What’s more, floss dips below the gum line, eliminating non-visible tartar.
Of further note, a growing body of evidence links flossing to reduced rates of certain diseases. Scientists have found that there is a connection between bacteria in the mouth and several life-threatening diseases.
So, book your appointment today with Dr. Fred Wong at Blue Ocean Dentistry. We would be happy to help you smile!
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora, California
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments, equipment, and materials – all of which make a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.