Simi Valley Oral Hygiene Basics

Oral Hygiene Basics Simi Valley, CA

Alamo Family Dentistry provides oral hygiene services to patients in Simi Valley, ensuring their oral health remains excellent. We perform preventive care and develop a patient history by talking to each patient and then developing a plan for lifelong oral health. Since adults have only one set of permanent teeth, it is very crucial to take care of them through regular preventive measures that will eventually save you from developing cavities, infections, and gum disease. We recommend that you visit our dental practice for teeth cleaning every six months, which will help to remove the plaque buildup and tartar and thus give your mouth a healthy and clean feel. To book an appointment, just give us a call at (805) 520-1711. In the meantime, you can continue your dental care at home by adopting some of the suggested home care routines to keep your mouth healthy.

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    How to brush your teeth properly

    Being a dentist in Simi Valley, we are aware that the technique of brushing your teeth is as critical as the frequency of brushing. A soft brush should be used that won't irritate the gums or cause loss of enamel. Too many people wrongly assume that a hard brush is a must for good oral hygiene, but this is wrong. Still, a soft toothbrush can perform equally well as a hard toothbrush, gently if one brushes correctly. Start brushing your teeth with a circular motion at the gum line and gradually go towards the center of your mouth. This will push away the food remnants, bacteria, and plaque from your gum line. Divide your mouth into four areas and clean each of them for at least thirty seconds. It is recommended to use a toothbrush with soft bristles for your teeth as they have the ability to clean effectively without damaging the gums. A fluoride toothpaste will be of great help to you in tooth decay prevention. Three times a day is our suggestion for brushing - in the morning, after lunch, and right before bed. Over-brushing can cause irritation to the mouth, but this will help in keeping it clean anyway. Furthermore, do not forget to replace your toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are flattened, it has an odor, or there is a stain on it.

    Flossing is essential for your teeth and gums

    At Alamo Family Dentistry, we remind our patients that the use of floss is a must at all times as part of complete oral hygiene services. People in the Simi Valley region, if you have not seen a dentist for quite a while, feel free to book an appointment with us. We will perform oral cleaning to extract the plaque and bacteria accumulated in the hard-to-reach areas, and then it will be your responsibility to do the flossing to keep your mouth healthy. Food debris and plaque left between your teeth can lead to gum disease, which is very painful and detrimental not only to your dental health but also to your general health. Gum disease is the result of plaque formation under the gum line, and flossing is the only way to avoid it. For those who dislike the flossing process, there is an alternative – a plastic flossing tool that can be used once and then discarded. This will ensure you do not have to hold on to any unpleasantness while getting it done.

    Selecting the right mouthwash

    Mouthwash is a real necessity, but first make sure it is the one that does not contain sugar. Besides, we suggest you use the one that has fluoride in it, as it would not only kill the remaining bacteria but also boost your teeth. Keep a mouthwash bottle with you and use it after every meal, a drink of soda, or even coffee. Typical of a dentist's office in Simi Valley, CA, we do realize that brushing one's teeth takes more than a couple of times a day. On the other hand, mouth rinsing is not so difficult, and it does not take much of your time either. It is a small effort that can considerably minimize your vulnerability to cavities as well as gum infection.

    FAQs

    Q. How often should oral hygiene visits be scheduled?

    A. The majority of individuals need to go to the dental clinic once every six months for treatments and for preventive care.

    Q. Why is oral hygiene important?

    A. Proper dental care is a way to eliminate cavities, tooth decay, bad breath, and the possibility of experiencing other dental difficulties.

    Q. Is brushing twice a day enough?

    A. Brushing your teeth twice every day is very crucial; on the other hand, flossing and getting dental check-ups are also part of the complete care process.

    Q. Are fluoride treatments safe for adults and children?

    A. The answer is yes; fluoride treatments are not only safe for people of all ages but also very effective in making teeth stronger and less prone to decay.

    Q. What are common signs of poor oral hygiene?

    A. The presence of periodontal disease, unpleasant odor, reduced tooth tolerance, and an increase in the number of cavities are some of the indicators of poor oral hygiene.

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    How to prevent tooth decay

    Our group daily avoids tooth decay through the treatment of our patients with clean and healthy teeth. The process of decaying teeth starts with the formation of plaque on the teeth which then leads to the acid in the plaque gradually breaking down the enamel. Thus, cleaning the teeth through the removal of plaque is the way to go to prevent tooth decay. In addition to that, you can brush your teeth at home and use dental floss after each meal. If you don't have anything with you, just gargle with water. This will help in getting rid of some loose food particles that might be in your mouth, or it will help in cleaning some sugar from your teeth. Also, it is a must to have a healthy diet because everything you eat goes directly to your teeth.

    What you should know about getting a fluoride treatment

    Alamo Family Dentistry is a dental office that is family-oriented and incorporates fluoride regularly. Our standard practice is to conduct a fluoride treatment for every patient who is younger than eighteen at least once a year. The statistics show that these treatments cut down the risk of cavities by 30 percent. This is considerable, as tooth decay is one of the leading causes of absenteeism among children in schools. Fluoride treatment is not only for children; Adults can also profit from it and if you are curious about it being your case, please dial 805-520-1711 to book an appointment. The procedure lasts only a few minutes. The fluoride gets applied straight onto the teeth. There is no smell or taste, and after a few minutes, the patient is allowed to leave. It is one of the most effortless ways to protect against cavities.

    How to select the right toothbrush

    Patients receive a toothbrush each time they come to see our dentist. The advice is that the toothbrush should be used for three months, after which time a new one should be bought. The toothbrush to be bought should be of soft type so that it won’t cause any discomfort to the gums or lose the enamel through wearing it away. In any other case, we recommend a battery-operated or electric toothbrush since they have the capability of giving one the best clean. The rotating toothbrush head is helpful in breaking up more plaque, which results in the cleanest teeth possible when you are moving the brush around.

    Food and drinks that you should avoid

    As a family dentist office, we highly recommend to you that you limit your consumption of soda, juice, coffee, and anything with high sugar content. Furthermore, candy, desserts, and sour candy in particular should not be part of your diet either. Acidic fruits, too, can cause damage to your teeth and gums. Besides, a diet rich in sugar and starch will always be detrimental to your teeth, as the germs on your teeth will multiply in such an environment. Moreover, consuming acidic foods can result in enamel loss. At Alamo Family Dentistry, we suggest that you consume a diet consisting of green leafy vegetables, lean meat, dairy products, and nuts, as they would be able to remineralize and make your teeth stronger. If you need more advice regarding a healthy diet, feel free to call 805-520-1711 and book an appointment to get guidance from Dr. Aminov..

    Definition of Dental Terminology
    Cosmetic Dentistry
    Cosmetic dentistry includes dental treatments that improve the look of your teeth, gums, or smile.
    Decay
    Tooth decay happens when bacteria damage the tooth surface, leading to holes or weakened teeth.
    Dental Caries
    Dental caries are cavities caused by plaque that damages the teeth over time.
    Dental Checkup
    A dental checkup is a regular visit where teeth are cleaned and checked for problems, usually every six months.
    Dental Filling
    A dental filling is used to repair a damaged or decayed tooth by filling the affected area.
    Dental Prophylaxis
    Dental prophylaxis is a professional teeth cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and stains.
    Dental Sealants
    Dental sealants are thin protective coatings placed on back teeth to help prevent cavities.
    Dentist
    A dentist is a healthcare professional who treats teeth, gums, and mouth problems.
    Gingivitis
    Gingivitis is gum swelling and redness caused by plaque buildup and poor oral care.
    Preventive Dentistry
    Preventive dentistry focuses on keeping teeth healthy and stopping dental problems before they start.
    Tartar
    Tartar is hardened plaque on teeth that cannot be removed by brushing alone.
    Tooth Enamel
    Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth that protects it from damage.

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