Oral Hygiene

One of the most important things you can do for oral health is to practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting our dentist at Only Kids Dentistry regularly for cleanings and checkups. This will help to keep your mouth as healthy as possible and minimize the chances of developing gum disease or tooth decay. 

The bacteria in your mouth will feed on food debris, producing acid that can eat away tooth enamel over time. Additionally, those hard-to-reach areas can accumulate food particles and plaque, making them breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. So, it is vital to floss each day to remove plaque buildup between teeth.

Symptoms of Poor Oral Hygiene

Bleeding Gums

Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed when brushed or flossed. If you notice bright red blood on your toothbrush or in the sink after you brush, your gums are likely inflamed due to gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease.

Receding Gums

Gum recession can occur due to aggressive brushing with stiff bristles or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Receding gums expose more of the tooth root, which can be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, as well as foods and beverages that are acidic or sugary.

Darkened Teeth

Tooth discoloration can occur on the enamel of the teeth over time when the teeth aren’t properly cleaned and cared for. The most common cause of discolored teeth is tobacco usage. Other causes can include drinking coffee, tea, or wine regularly, eating highly pigmented foods, or using certain medications that stain the teeth.

Why Is Oral Hygiene Important?

Keeping your teeth clean will help you maintain a high level of oral health and fend off many common dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Routine cleanings and exams can also help your dentist identify potential areas of concern before they worsen and require more extensive treatment. All of this helps to promote a healthy smile and avoid discomfort down the line.

In addition to regular brushing and flossing at home, visiting our dentist for routine checkups and cleanings every six months can help to protect your oral health. Our dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums to remove any buildup that regular home care can’t remove, as well as provide a thorough examination to check for any areas of concern. A professional teeth cleaning will remove plaque from hard-to-reach spots that your toothbrush and floss may miss, helping to keep your gums healthy and preventing issues such as gingivitis or periodontitis.

Oral hygiene maintains the health of the mouth, teeth, and gums to prevent gum diseases, tooth decay, and bad breath. Contact Only Kids Dentistry at 239 E San Marnan Dr, Waterloo, IA 50702, or 211 E Bremer Ave, Waverly, IA 50677. Call our Waterloo office at (319) 234-2227  or our Waverly office at (319) 352-4427 to book an appointment at your most convenient location.

239 E San Marnan Dr, Waterloo, IA 50702

Phone: (319) 234-2227

Email: onlykidsdentistry@gmail.com

Fax: 3192342882

  • MON8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • TUE1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • WED - THU8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • FRI8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • SAT - SUNClosed
Contact Us

211 e Bremer Ave, Waverly, IA 50677

Phone: (319) 352-4427

Email: onlykidsdentistry@gmail.com

  • MONClosed
  • TUE1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
  • WEDClosed
  • THU1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
  • FRI - SUNClosed
Contact Us