Maintaining good oral health extends beyond just the health of your mouth. Indeed, people with poor oral health often struggle with other issues related to their quality of life and sometimes the financial burden of costly dental procedures. Here at Melissa Maus & Associates, our dentist, Dr. Melissa Maus, understands that maintaining good oral health encompasses several critical factors. To that end, we offer these key tips to consider.
When you are shopping for oral hygiene products, you should only consider purchasing those that have earned the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance because they are safe and effective.
The American Dental Association recommends that you brush and floss your teeth twice a day to remove plaque and residual food particles from your teeth and gumline. When you brush your teeth, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. A toothpaste with fluoride will also help fortify the strength of your tooth enamel. Also, abrasive additives improve the brush’s ability to scour the faces of your teeth.
Once you’re done brushing, you should floss between your teeth and along the gumline. If you have had a hard time working the floss between your teeth in the past, you might want to purchase a wax-coated dental floss. The waxy coating makes it easier to slip the strain of floss into tight spaces without accidentally forcing it into your gums.
If you would like, you can rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
It’s also critical that you attend your regular dental checkup and cleaning. This appointment will involve our dental team effectively removing dangerous hardened tartar and monitoring your mouth for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. The checkup also includes a basic cancer screening for early detection of oral or pharyngeal cancer.
If you are concerned about some aspect of your oral health in San Francisco, California, you should call Melissa Maus & Associates at 415-781-0819 to schedule your next dental checkup with your dentist, Dr. Melissa Maus. Â