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Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene is the most important part of maintaining your oral health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to dental cavities and gum disease and has also been linked to other diseases not related to oral care. Dr. Jackson A. Bean recommends that you keep your dental habits consistent and attend your regular dental cleaning appointments every six months to keep your SMILE HEALTHY. Contact us today to learn more about dental hygiene in Greenville, Texas, or SCHEDULE an appointment at Complete Dental Care with our wonderful dentist by calling 903-568-3732.

During your time at our office, our team works hard to improve your oral health. It is essential, however, that you continue taking care of your smile at home through consistent oral hygiene. Good dental hygiene includes a number of daily habits and practices that help to keep your smile healthy and bright.

Oral hygiene is not only the most important aspect of oral health, but it’s a lifelong commitment. There is no quick fix or one time solution. It’s very important to start a healthy routine as early as possible to avoid expensive dental procedures and health issues in the long term.

Facts about oral health:

  • Between 60-90% of school aged children have had at least one cavity.
  • This number goes up to nearly 100% for adults
  • Between 15-20% of 35-44 year old adults have a form of severe gum disease

Our dentist and team recommend that you follow these basic steps to help your smile and body stay in optimal health:

  • Brush your teeth after each meal and before bed, at a minimum twice a day. Brush each time for two minutes. We encourage you to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that includes fluoride.
  • Floss at least once every day. The most important time to floss is just before you go to sleep at night.
  • Use mouthwash to remove food particles left after flossing and brushing.
  • Eat a balanced diet. Limiting your intake of very sugary and acidic foods can help to prevent tooth decay.
  • Being cautious of your diet. Making sure you have a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid tobacco products.
  • Maintain your regular visits with our dentist every six months. During these visits, we will provide a professional teeth cleaning and a thorough dental exam to make certain we provide any needed preventive or restorative treatments.
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if brush is worn.

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Warning Signs:

Don’t wait until there is a major issue to come into our Greenville office. The following are signs of issues to come that require a visit as soon as possible. Even if it’s not your 6 month checkup.
  • Pain or toothache
  • Bleeding or swollen gums (after brushing/flossing)
  • Tender areas in the mouth for more than a week
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Frequent dry mouth
  • Swelling of face or cheeks
  • Loose teeth
  • Sudden sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Pain when chewing / biting
  • Cracked or broken tooth

Causes of oral diseases:

  • Bacteria, viruses and fungi collect in your mouth. Not all of them are bad in small quantities. High sugar intake creates an environment for bacteria to grow rapidly. These acid-producing bacteria cause enamel decay and cavities.
  • Gingivitis is an inflammation of your gums caused by hardened plaque that isn’t removed regularly by brushing and flossing.
  • Periodontitis is a more advanced gum disease caused by your gum beginning to pull away from your teeth and causing pockets where pus may collect.
  • Cavities are caused when bacteria, food or acid sit on the teeth. The acid eats away at the enamel and causes damage, even holes.
  • Sensitive teeth can be natural or the result of a root canal, a filling or even the result of: gum disease, receding gums, a cracked tooth or worn-down fillings

Reasons that contribute to gingivitis and periodontitis:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Smoking
  • Medications that cause dry mouth
  • Sugary foods and drinks
  • Frequent vomiting

The cleaning process at Complete Care Dental:

The following are closely looked at:
  • Teeth
  • Mouth
  • Throat
  • Tongue
  • Cheeks
  • Jaw
  • X-rays are taken of your mouth once a year, unless otherwise needed.
  • Potential pockets in your gums are measured by a probe.
Once any potential issues are found and addressed, your cleaning begins:
  • Removing plaque and tartar
  • Gritty toothpaste cleaning
  • Floss
  • Rinsing
  • Fluoride treatment: a naturally occurring mineral that helps fight off cavities

Connection between oral health and overall health:

The following are closely looked at:
  • Your mouth contains bacteria, most of them are safe
  • Those that aren’t safe, can cause disease
  • These bacteria enter your digestive and respiratory systems via your mouth
  • Good oral hygiene help bacteria stay under control
  • Without good oral hygiene, bacteria levels grow and lead to other health complications
  • Saliva neutralizes acid in your mouth which helps prevent unnecessary disease.
  • Certain medications can cause reduced saliva.

Conditions that may be linked:

  • Oral health might contribute to: Endocarditis, Cardiovascular disease, Pregnancy complications, Pneumonia
  • These conditions can make oral health poor: Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s Disease
When you visit our dentist and team, we will review your dental hygiene habits with you and offer needed information on any additional steps you can take to further improve your oral health. To learn more about dental hygiene and schedule your next appointment at our office, we welcome you to call or visit us today.

References:

Cherney, K. (2018, September 17). What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health/what-happens-during-a-tooth-cleaning

the Healthline Editorial Team. (2019, March 8). Everything You Need to Know About Dental and Oral Health. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health#surgery

Oral health. (2019, November 14). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health#tab=tab_2

Oral health: A window to your overall health. (2021, October 28). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475