Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene for health
We know our Onalaska dental patients do their best to make health a priority. They exercise, eat healthy, drink lots of water, and get plenty of sleep (on a good day). Fantastic. One major component of overall health that many patients don’t realize is oral hygiene and oral health. If you’ve been neglecting your daily oral hygiene routine, or your regular visits to your Onalaska dentist, you are not living up to your full healthy potential, and you could be putting yourself at risk for more serious health problems down the road.
Teamwork is key
Just like any healthy relationship, maintaining optimum oral hygiene requires effort from both parties involved. As your allies for oral health, we will do everything we can to make sure your mouth is happy and healthy. However, if you do not do your part on the 363 days out of the year you’re not in our office, we cannot guarantee that the work we do for you will be successful.
Your part
The fact of the matter is, you are more in charge of your own oral health than we are. You can come see us twice per year for your regular cleanings and exams, but if you neglect your oral hygiene on a daily basis, you are signing yourself up for a host of oral health problems down the road.
We understand, staying on top of your oral hygiene can seem tedious, and sometimes we slip up and go to bed without brushing – we’re only human! The best way to seamlessly incorporate oral hygiene into your daily routine is to make it a habit.
Rule number one – BRUSH. We recommend brushing thoroughly for two minutes, at least twice per day. Brushing after each meal is ideal, but, we understand not everyone wants to carry a toothbrush around in their pocket, so rinsing with water after meals or beverages will help cut down on sugar and food particles that cause decay. Chewing gum containing xylitol is also a good way to reduce acidity and prevent cavities.
Rule number two – FLOSS. Every day. We know, you’ve heard it a thousand times, every time you visit us at the office. It may seem like we are beating you over the head with it, but that’s only because it’s so important. Brushing is great for removing particles on the teeth surfaces, but does little to reach the particles stuck in between teeth that are notorious for causing plaque, and breeding grounds for decay.
Our part
At Neighborhood Smiles, you can ask any of our patients and they will tell you our hygiene team is one of the best in Onalaska. They are incredibly gentle for a pain-free deep clean, yet surprisingly thorough and attentive to detail – you can rest assured they won’t miss a thing. We make detailed notes about everything we see, and make sure to inform you of any potential problems.
We have the tools, technology, and expertise here in our office to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible. After one of our all-star hygienists gives you a good deep cleaning, we will perform a comprehensive oral exam, making note of any changes since your last visit, and assessing for signs of decay and disease like periodontitis (gum disease) and oral cancer. He will make sure to share any relevant information with you regarding your oral health. This is also a great time for patients to share – things like pain, sensitivity, or any other unusual activity or sensation they are experiencing.
With the proper team work, you will be on your way to a lifetime of oral health. If you have any questions about oral hygiene, or would like to schedule an appointment at Neighborhood Smiles, please contact our office today at (608) 783-6384.