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Dental Hygiene Portland OR How many times have you heard that brushing and flossing every day is important? Alternatively, that you need to have regular dental cleanings and exams? Despite how often they are mentioned, many people ignore these recommendations. They think that just because they cannot feel anything, which everything is fine. Unfortunately, many oral health issues often do not have any noticeable symptoms in their earliest stages. A proper dental hygiene routine is essential for preventing oral health issues and getting treatment as early as possible if something does occur. Hunter Dental Care is here to help.Why is Dental Hygiene So Important?Dental hygiene is crucial for keeping your mouth healthy. Your mouth consists of several components, including the teeth, the gums, and the jawbone, and they all have important functions. Taking proper care of your mouth is essential for preventing a variety of serious oral health issues such as tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Ignoring any part of your dental hygiene routine, even if you only occasionally skip steps, can significantly increase your risk for these complications and more. Serious oral health issues can lead to tooth loss and infections. Infections can allow bacteria into the bloodstream, which can then contribute to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Taking Care of Your Mouth at HomeDental hygiene starts at home. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Every time you brush, you should do so for at least two minutes. During these two minutes, it is important that you cover all surfaces of your teeth. Use a soft bristled brush and gentle, circular motions. While brushing hard might seem like a good idea, it can be quite detrimental to your oral health, wearing away gum tissue and protective tooth enamel. Flossing can either be done with regular floss or floss picks. Floss picks can be helpful for those who lack manual dexterity. Gently move the floss back and forth to get it between the teeth. Scrape the teeth up and down the sides of each tooth, including the area behind the very back teeth. Be careful not to snap the floss against your gums, as this can cause irritation and bleeding. Professional Dental CareAlong with your home hygiene routine, it is also important to have regular dental cleanings and exams. The ADA recommends that you have at least two per year. While this may not seem like much, they are crucial. With dental cleanings, we can remove all buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, including the areas that you might miss or not clean thoroughly. We are also able to remove stubborn tartar, or calcified plaque, which cannot be removed by normal brushing. Once the teeth have been scraped clean, they are polished and flossed. Your teeth are typically examined in the same appointments as your cleanings. Exams allow us to check your teeth and gums for signs of oral health issues. We can spot the earliest signs, even before you begin noticing any symptoms. With early detection, our dentists can provide you with the treatment you need to prevent them from getting worse. This also helps to prevent the need for more invasive treatments later. Dental hygiene is essential for preventing serious oral health complications and keeping your teeth and gums happy and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call Hunter Dental Care today at (503) 256-3737. |
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 Location1739 NE 122nd Ave Portland, OR 97230-1914 HoursMondays & Tuesdays: 7 AM - 3 PM Wednesdays & Thursdays: 8 AM - 5 PM Fridays: Closed |
