Dental Hygiene Tips From Our Hygienists

Dental Hygiene Tips From Our Hygienists

Dental Hygiene Tips From Our Hygienists

Do you believe you’re on a soundtrack with your daily oral hygiene routine? Then, take it up a notch with a few simple technique tweaks. In honor of Dental Hygienist Week, our team is sharing dental hygiene tips from our amazing hygienists. 

Make Use of Proper Brushing Technique

First, our dentist office in Colorado Springs explains that there is a correct and incorrect way to brush your teeth. For a more thorough brushing, use:

  • Make use of a soft-bristled brush.
  • Brush at a 45° angle starting at your gumline.
  • Brush your teeth outside, inside, and all over your molars.
  • Make sure to clean every nook and cranny around your teeth.
  • Lastly, our dentist in Colorado Springs urges you to your teeth and tongue gently.

Brush For Two Minutes

There are numerous options available when it comes to selecting a toothbrush. As recommended, choose a brush with soft bristles and a small to medium-sized head. Our dentist near me explains that the rest is up to you!

Keep An Eye Out for the ADA Seal

Choose a toothpaste with the ADA seal and fluoride to ensure that it is safe and effective in fighting plaque and preventing tooth decay.

Floss Correctly

Flossing, like brushing, has a right and wrong way. Keep in mind to:

Allow yourself approximately 18 inches of floss.

Then, wrap the majority of it around your middle fingers, leaving 1 to 2 inches on both sides.

Tighten the floss between your thumbs and index finger. Think of it like this:  gently slide it between your teeth, using clean sections as you go from tooth to tooth.

Floss gently beneath the gum line.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash removes plaque and gingivitis, whitens teeth, and relieves dry mouth. With its antimicrobial properties and added fluoride, you’ll wonder why you didn’t incorporate it into your routine sooner!

Make Your Brush Shiny

Rinse your toothbrush and let it air dry after brushing to keep it clean. Avoid covering it or sharing it, which encourages the growth and spread of bacteria.

Replace Your Brush

Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, as well as after recovering from illness. The bristles of the most manual and electric toothbrushes have a color indicator reminder. If you’re a parent or caregiver, remember that the more frequently you change your child’s toothbrush, the more eager they’ll be to do it.

Make Use of a Tongue Scraper

A tongue scraper removes excess oral bacteria. To eliminate bacteria and freshen your breath, our dentist office CO Springs shares that you can incorporate this practice into your daily oral care routine. For added convenience, choose a toothbrush with a scraper on the back.

Get Scrubbing After Snacking

Brushing your teeth twice a day, usually after breakfast and dinner, should be second nature by now. However, if you’re going to have a late-night snack, you should also have a late-night brush. Our friend Dr. Wade, the best dentist in Pinellas Park FL, adds that this allows bacteria to fill your mouth after eating cookies and ice cream, and sleeping for 7 to 8 hours without brushing allow bacteria to fester and spread.

See Your Dentist Office in Colorado Springs

By incorporating these tips, habits, and routines, you can improve your dental hygiene from good to great. Remember to visit your dentist twice a year – you’ll be proud to show off your healthy, sparkling smile. 

Why Is My Mouth Dry?

why is my mouth dry

Why Is My Mouth Dry?

Dr. Johnson, the best dentist in Colorado Springs explains that, in a nutshell, saliva is underappreciated. We don’t always consider how vital saliva is to our oral health. However, it can lead to significant problems when we don’t have enough. Saliva is essential in the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. When we do not produce enough saliva, we develop a condition known as dry mouth. Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is not a disease in and of itself but rather a symptom of something else. It’s unpleasant and inconvenient, but your dentist has various prevention and treatment options. Below, our dentist in Colorado Springs explains common causes.

What Factors Contribute to Dry Mouth?

We frequently see dry mouth in older adults. This is because our bodies respond differently to medications as we age, and our lifestyle habits impact. Below, our dentist office in Colorado Springs shares common reasons for dry mouths. 

  • First, dry mouth can be caused by various medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, pain relievers, and diuretics.
  • Also, dry mouth can be a sign of an underlying illness such as diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS, and others.
  • Additionally, dry mouth is a symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands, including tear and salivary glands.
  • Unfortunately, cancer radiation treatments can also have an impact on saliva levels.
  • Lastly, Tobacco and alcohol use and recreational drug use such as methamphetamine and marijuana can cause dry mouth.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?

We worked with our friend Dr. Kim, dentist Lexington KY, shares that the signs of dry symptoms are as follows.

  • A sensation of dryness or stickiness in your mouth.
  • Saliva is thick and stringy.
  • Breath problems
  • Having trouble chewing or swallowing
  • Sore or dry throat
  • A parched tongue
  • Changes in taste perception
  • Having difficulty wearing dentures

When Is Dry Mouth an Issue?

Saliva protects your teeth and gums from bacteria and aids in the enjoyment and digestion of food. When your mouth does not produce enough saliva, it can cause tooth decay and other oral health issues such as:

  • Periodontal disease
  • Sores in the mouth
  • Yeast infection in the mouth (thrush)
  • Appetite loss

If you have dry mouth symptoms, see your dentist near me right away to prevent tooth and gum damage.

How Can I Avoid It?

Maintaining regular dental checkups twice a year is one of the most effective ways to prevent dry mouth and other oral health issues. Here are some additional ways to collaborate with your dentist to avoid dry mouth:

  • Inform your dentist of any changes in your medication or medical history.
  • Hydration is essential for saliva production, so drink plenty of water.
  • Consume coffee in moderation.
  • Tobacco products should be avoided or avoided entirely.
  • Eat a nutritious diet–good nutrition can help increase saliva flow.
  • Brush and floss every day.
  • If you must use an over-the-counter antihistamine or decongestant, keep in mind that dry mouth is a possible side effect.
  • Sleep with an air humidifier and breathe through your nose rather than your mouth.

Getting Help From Your Dentist in Colorado Springs

Dry mouth frequently has both medical and dental causes and consequences. As a result, your dentist and doctor work together to prevent and treat disease. When you notice symptoms, your dentist is an excellent first point of contact and will refer you to your doctor if necessary. At Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, we understand that good oral health extends beyond just taking care of your teeth. Oral health issues can sometimes alert us to the presence of more complex medical problems. In other cases, simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter products can alleviate dry mouth. In any case, going to the dentist is the first step toward feeling better.

Dental Appointments in Colorado Springs

Dental Appointments in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Dental Appointments

Dental Appointments in Colorado Springs

One of the best ways to maintain optimal oral health is to practice preventative dentistry. For example, seeing your dentist twice a year for a tooth cleaning is a great way to maintain proper oral health. Of course, to establish a good diagnosis and build a complete treatment plan if any areas of concern do arise, you must have a dentist you can trust. At Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, dentist in Colorado Springs, we are always accepting new patients. We work hard to track the progress of any treatments and any potential adjustments so you can smile bigger and live better. Today on the blog, we discuss what to expect at your dental appointments in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs Dental Visits

Various topics will be discussed during the first oral examination. Your Colorado Springs Dentist dentist will perform a visual inspection and charting. Probing, appropriate diagnosis and discussion of the proposed therapy may also be included.

Examination of the Basics

Every six months, you should get a basic dental checkup from dentist Colorado Springs. This will assist your dentist in detecting problems early on or preventing any future dental issues. Each time you come in for a dental checkup, the procedure will be different. We’ll begin by going over your list of concerns, as well as your dental charts and history. This will assist CO Springs family dentist in determining the best course of action for you.

Visual Assessment 

A visual examination of the oral system will be included in dental checkups. On the surface of your teeth, we’ll look for symptoms of tooth decay, as well as cracks, fractures, and damage. We’ll also look at any differences in your tooth structure. In addition, the form and color of the patient’s gums will be examined. The usual indications of periodontitis, such as swollen and red gums, must be taken seriously.

Cleaning

Cleaning your teeth helps us to see the condition of your gums and teeth in detail. It’s also vital to get rid of germs, tartar, and plaque, which may lead to gum disease and tooth damage.

Probing

A periodontal probe will be used in our dental office to determine the depth of the space between your gums and teeth. If it’s more than 3mm, it’s frequently a sign of gum disease.

Diagnosis

Our friend Dr. Kim, the best dentist Lexington KY,  explains we’ll figure out what’s wrong with the lesions and ulcers we detected in your oral system’s soft tissue. Some issues are difficult to detect with a basic eye inspection and probing. To see these issues, we may need to take dental X-rays. Abscesses, cysts, and other problems will be easier to spot using X-rays.

To urge the patient to be proactive about their dental health, a complete oral exam is required. We’ll collaborate with you to create a strategy that will help you maintain, if not enhance, your oral health. We’ll keep an eye on your oral system’s health and search for any indicators of a growing oral condition, such as tooth decay or gum disease.

Radiography in the Digital Age

Thanks to advancements in dentistry, we may now employ electronic software and computerized technologies to get a crisper picture of your dental system. This offers us the ability to perform a more thorough examination.

Making an All-Inclusive Treatment Plan

We are now ready to construct an all-inclusive therapy once we have completed the primary method. We’ll discuss your objectives and the results you may anticipate after the therapy with you. We’ll go through a list of remedies that we think will help you with your current issue. This is also an excellent time to inform you about the risks and advantages associated with each therapy. We’ll tell you how much each therapy costs, what procedures are required, and what to expect afterward. If you have any questions or concerns, you should bring them up during your oral test. We will alleviate all of your problems and ensure that the procedure runs well. Our first focus is always you.

Contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry Today for Dental Appointments in Colorado Springs

Kissing Camels Family Dentistry will lead you along the road to better oral health. We will not only address the present issues, but we will also work to avoid future dental issues. We will also provide you with helpful information that will help you maintain the health of your gums and teeth for many years to come. 

Remember, prevention is always preferable to treatment! Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment.