How to Manage Dental Health Care

Why is Oral Hygiene Important? 

Comprehensive oral hygiene is often not achieved by many.  Several of our patients admit to not properly performing routine interdental cleaning, flossing, and brushing. In addition, patients can do other things that may be harmful to their oral hygiene.  For example, we are all guilty of indulging in sweets, acidic beverages, sticky foods, and dehydrating substances that we know are bad for us. 

Taking care of your teeth and mouth is more important than you think. 

Bacteria can overtake our mouth and result in poor oral health, cause bad breath, gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay.  Furthermore, there is strong evidence that gum disease is linked to heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Taking ten extra minutes out of your morning and evening to develop a good dental hygiene routine can mean a happier, healthier, and longer life. 

Managing dental health care doesn’t have to be complicated. The key to good oral hygiene is consistency.  Once you develop your dental health care routine, you benefit most when you stick with it every day. Even though it sounds simple, it can actually be quite hard! To make it easier, start with the basics and continue adding steps to your routine until it’s complete.  

Anything worth doing well is worth doing poorly at first. 

Top Practices for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Many people think that flossing and brushing your teeth is enough to maintain healthy teeth and gums. While these are two great things you should be doing daily, there are other steps you can take to improve your dental health care. 

• Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day with Fluoride Toothpaste: You should brush your teeth at least twice daily to keep your mouth in excellent condition. It’s also good to use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride has properties that help prevent tooth decay, which is why it’s so popular in toothpaste.
  

• Use the Right Amount of Toothpaste:  You want to use a pea-size amount, not a full ribbon of paste that fits on the full length of the brush.
  

• Floss Before Your Brush: Floss your teeth at least once every day. The best time of day to floss is at night before you go to bed. That way, you clean out all the food from the entire day. Most importantly, you should always floss your teeth before brushing them.
  

• Never Miss a Cleaning: Visiting your dentist every six to 12 months to have your teeth cleaned is essential for good oral hygiene. These visits provide a deep clean to your teeth and gums that you can’t get through brushing and flossing. These visits are also a good opportunity for your dentist to check your mouth, and identify any potential problems before they get worse.
  

• Avoid Smoking and Vaping: Tobacco products and e-cigarettes can cause harm to your teeth and gums and might even lead to oral cancer. If you do smoke, try quitting as soon as possible.
  

• Drink in Moderation: If you drink alcohol, it’s best to do so in moderation to promote good oral health. Doing so will also lower your risk of developing oral cancer and help keep you hydrated.
  

• Have a Healthy Diet: Eating a well-rounded diet can provide many benefits to your overall health, including your oral health. Reduce your intake of sugars and caffeine, two substances that can cause damage to the teeth over time. Instead, eat more fruits, vegetables, and dairy products like yogurt and cheese to promote good dental hygiene. 

 When to See a Dentist

Don’t wait for your annual teeth cleaning to bring up a problem to your dentist. The final best practice for good dental health care is not ignoring problems. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, call One Manhattan Dental and set up an appointment right away: 

• Chipped Tooth

• Swollen Gums

• New Sensitivity

• Jaw Pain

• Teeth Grinding

• Toothache

• Lost Tooth

• Dry Mouth

• Sores or Bumps 

Managing dental health care is essential to living a long and healthy life. Luckily, taking care of your oral hygiene isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. You can easily maintain healthy teeth and gums with just a few simple steps. 

At-Home Dental Hygiene Coaching: 

One Manhattan Dental is here to support your dental health care during this time and improve your at-home oral hygiene routine. If you want some help achieving excellent oral hygiene, you can take advantage of our virtual, at-home dental hygiene coaching. We offer curated appointments that fit your needs. Many of our patients are using these services, which you can think of as a personal trainer for your dental health. 

 Option A)  At-home virtual hygiene consultation with our hygienist.  20 mins/$130

 Option B)  At-home virtual hygiene bundle (series of 3 appointments) 30 mins/$500.

 Each option provides every client with:

• Consultation to assess current dental hygiene home care and address any issues or concerns.

•  Develop an ongoing, at-home, care plan with products that fit your needs, which may include a hygiene box (additional fees may apply).

• Review new at-home care plans and products to ensure optimal success.  

• Follow up to track ongoing care.

To learn more on how One Manhattan Dental can assist with your comprehensive oral healthcare, call (212) 223-3632 or book your appointment online today.