oral cleanliness taught by your dental team in Oakville Ontario

The general rule with oral hygiene is that we should brush and floss our teeth on a daily basis. This recommendation is nothing new to anyone who has seen a dentist in their lifetime. There is more to the care of our teeth, gums, and general oral health, though. Oral cleanliness that inhibits bacterial activity goes beyond brushing and flossing. In our Oakville, Ontario dental practice, we discuss with our patients how healthy choices regarding alcohol use, smoking, and eating habits lower the risk for conditions like gum disease, cavities, and oral cancer.

You can count on the Burloak Centre dental team to provide you and your family with the professional care and the support you need to keep your smile healthy. It is not only the performance of professional cleanings that promotes oral health but also the time that goes into the daily hygiene routine. Fortunately, dental care does not have to be complicated in order to be efficient.

• Brushing can be done morning and night. Care needs to be taken to brush each individual tooth, and then the chewing surface of the tooth and surrounding teeth. Tooth brushing is not about aggressively attacking food debris and bacteria. Too much force against the gums can lead to recession and the problems that go along with it. When teeth are brushed twice a day, or even after every meal, the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath are greatly reduced.
• Flossing takes only a few minutes to complete and should also be done gently using a floss that is most comfortable for you. Floss can be waxed or unwaxed, and even flavoured. Your hygienist is happy to demonstrate effective flossing technique based on the type of floss you use. Flossing around each tooth once a day decreases the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Professional cleaning should be scheduled every six months. Your hygienist can gently remove plaque and tartar and polish teeth for a healthy shine. Professional cleanings can prevent advanced dental problems.

In addition to brushing, flossing, and professional care, oral cleanliness can be achieved with the use of special tools such as a water irrigator, especially helpful for individuals with braces. The right mouthwash can also be a great way to combat oral bacteria.

Dr. Tuli and her team care about your smile. To schedule your check-up and cleaning, call 905.581.4436.