Home Dental Care Education in Wellesley, MA
The steps you take to safeguard your dental well-being are as crucial as the professional care and attention that you receive at Wellesley Dental Arts. To help our patients take excellent care of their teeth, we have combined useful and practical oral health care tips that you can follow in the comfort of your homes. Make sure to share these with your loved ones.
Brushing and Flossing
You should thoroughly brush your teeth at least twice every day and floss a minimum of one time per day. When brushing, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste that have the ADA (American Dentists Association) seal of approval. Clean the chewing surfaces and the sides as well. Remember also to brush your tongue as this can harbor harmful bacteria.
When flossing, use around 18 inches of dental floss and make sure to get all the debris and cavity-causing plaque from between the teeth. Ensure the floss doesn’t reach the gums as it can cause scratches and bruises.
Dental Care for Children
Even though their milk teeth eventually fall out, children need dental care too. For babies, wipe their tender gums with a wet washcloth after every feeding. For toddlers and younger children, you must demonstrate proper brushing techniques and supervise brushing times as well. Remember that your young one must see a dentist as soon as their teeth come in, or by their first birthday.
Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies are unforeseen situations that necessitate immediate dental care to alleviate pain as well as prevent potential tooth loss. Examples of dental injuries, including knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, bleeding, traumatic injuries, lost fillings accompanied by pain, etc. The best way to avert dental emergencies is by prioritizing preventive dentistry. In particular, always wear a sports guard when engaging in sports, and come in for regular dental exams so our dentist can catch problems before they escalate.
Harmful Dental Habits
Harmful dental habits can compromise your dental well-being and place you at an increased risk of tooth loss and other complications. Some examples of destructive dental practices include using your teeth as tools, e.g., to open bottles, biting your nails, overindulgence in sugary drinks and snacks, failure to brush and floss as required, and excessive smoking, among others. Staying away from these habits increases your chances of keeping your natural teeth for a lifetime.
Dental Anxiety
It’s normal to experience dental anxiety before a dental appointment. However, you shouldn’t let your anxiety get in the way of receiving much-needed dental care. If you struggle with dental anxiety, it’s best to have a candid conversation with our dentist to discuss ways of helping you overcome this obstacle.
We look forward to seeing you during your next dental appointment.