Dental Hygiene Specialist

What is dental hygiene?

Dental hygiene is the ongoing practice of keeping a clean, fresh mouth. In order to maintain great dental hygiene, you should clean your teeth, tongue, and gums thoroughly and often. 

If you practice dental hygiene for your whole life, you have the best possible chance of keeping your natural teeth for your whole life. You should start practicing your oral hygiene very early in your life and build a consistent routine that works for you.

At Crystal Dental of Fresno, the team provides thorough dental cleanings and exams for people of all ages. The American Dental Association recommends getting a professional cleaning once every six months for most people. 

Why is dental hygiene important?

Dental hygiene might become part of your routine that you don’t think about much. In fact, you might skip a professional cleaning here and there or rush to brush your teeth in the morning before work. It’s important to prioritize your dental hygiene because it helps you prevent complications that are costly and time-consuming to fix. With a top-notch hygiene routine, you can minimize your chances of getting:

• Cavities
• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Halitosis (bad breath)

The team at Crystal Dental of Fresno can help you improve your home routine with suggestions and products. 

How can I improve my dental hygiene at home?

If you or your dentist is concerned about your dental hygiene routine, the team at Crystal Dental of Fresno can teach you the best practices to use at home between professional cleanings. They can talk to you about:

Your brushing method

While brushing your teeth, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized dab of toothpaste. You should use soft strokes or a circular motion to clean all surfaces of your teeth and the spaces between them. Finally, you should also brush your tongue. This should happen at least twice a day.

Your flossing method

You should floss between your teeth once a day to dislodge plaque from between your teeth. The team at Crystal Dental of Fresno recommends cutting an 18-inch length of floss and wrapping it around your fingers for a good grip. Then, rub the floss up and down the sides of each tooth gently. 

Interdental cleaning devices

Like floss, interdental cleaning devices can help you clean the spaces between your teeth. If you don’t have the dexterity to hold floss or if you wear braces, your dentist might give you an interdental brush or an oral irrigation device, also called a water pick.

To find out more about dental hygiene and its importance for your health, call Crystal Dental of Fresno or request an appointment online today.