Why Should You Maintain Good Oral Hygiene?

Good oral hygiene is one of the key necessities nowadays as far as one’s overall health is concerned. Not having good dental hygiene can lead to the person getting affected with various types of dental infections such as gum disease and tooth decay etc. Tooth decay should not be ignored since damage beyond the point of repair can lead to the extraction of a tooth to save the infection from spreading further. Following good oral habits such as brushing and flossing has become a necessity rather than a choice. Even though we feel our teeth and gums are clean and healthy, it may not necessarily be so. We realize it only when we visit a dentist in Scottsdale as part of a regular dental checkup. 

Significance of a dental checkup

Dental checkups keep your teeth and gums healthy but also help dentists identify any future dental problems that may arise in you. During the dental checkup, the dentist will have an initial consultation with the patient. They will ask for patient history and detailed information about any medications the patient might be taking. They will perform a detailed oral examination including whether the patient has tooth decay. Professional teeth cleaning will be performed. A deep cleaning may be done to remove plaque and tartar accumulated within the teeth and gum line. The Scottsdale dentist will also guide you about the tips you have to follow to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Brushing and Flossing

Many of us prioritize brushing our teeth, but not everyone incorporates good oral hygiene practices like flossing. Flossing is just as essential as brushing for maintaining good oral hygiene. It’s crucial to use a dentist-recommended toothbrush and toothpaste. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles that are effective in removing plaque from your teeth. Flossing plays a vital role in eliminating food particles lodged in areas that toothbrush bristles can’t reach. By doing so, flossing helps prevent the accumulation of bacteria in these hard-to-reach areas. A dentist in Scottsdale can provide guidance on the correct technique for effective flossing.

Apart from brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, a person should also clean their tongue regularly. It helps remove the plaque accumulated in the tongue. Schedule an appointment with your nearest dentist in Scottsdale if you have tooth decay or bad breath.  

Check Out Some Tips To Deal With Early Cavities!

Before we start, let’s discuss what actually a cavity is! A cavity is the loss of a tiny portion of the tooth towards the advancement of decay. This is in fact caused by the action of acids that spoil the crystalline structure of your tooth.

There are various warning signals of decay that can be noticed. This simply ruins the tooth enamel. However, the structure can be recovered externally with the help of some fluorides or other substances. 

Now, let’s take a quick look at how to deal with these early cavities!

How to deal with early cavities?

  • Reduce Sugar Items 

Basically, sugar plays the role of a magnet for bacteria. Try to cut down on your daily sugar consumption. Sugar has a high acid concentration and it may cause plaque which can further give birth to cavities. If plaque is not washed off by saliva or brushing, the environment inside your mouth turns acidic. 

  1. Oil Pulling 

When you gargle with oil, it cures various oral issues along with bacteria. It is an age-old approach and works effectively for cavities as well. You can also use Mustard oil or Coconut oil. Remember to gargle for a minimum of 5 minutes each day. 

  • Salt Water

Take a tablespoon of salt and then mix it well with warm water and wash your mouth with that mix. This is also an age-old approach and it truly works wonders. Try to do this method every night so that you can achieve better results. Salt has some antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help to combat cavities. 

  1. Vanilla essence 

You are in shock, right? Vanilla essence has a little bit of alcohol which serves as a natural pain reliever. It simply numbs that portion, which is attacked by the cavities. Vanilla essence also has analgesic and antiseptic properties to some extent, which are highly effective against cavities. 

  1. Clove oil: 

This approach is a very old home remedy for all your kinds of tooth troubles! Clove oil plays a significant role in cases of dental ailments. It has medicinal properties that decrease the sensation that is caused due to the cavities. Cloves have also antimicrobial, antiseptic properties that help to clean your dental cavity. 

Play your Role to Prevent Tooth Decay:

  • Always brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride-content toothpaste. 
  • Floss at least once a day.
  • Also, rinse your mouth with a fluoride-containing mouthwash. 
  • Have nutritious and balanced meals and minimize your snacks. 
  • Ask your dentist to provide dental sealants. It helps to shield your teeth from further decay.
  • Have fluoridated water. 
  • See your dentist routinely for dental cleanings and check-ups.

Get the Help you need!

You can get in touch with Belmont Dentistry if you want to receive the best dental care in Scottsdale AZ. We strive hard to offer our patients the best treatment for any of their dental issues along with optimal comfort. We are just a call away.