Dental Hygiene:
The Solution is in Your Hands

All too often, dental hygiene is not taken seriously. We may spend hours bathing, using good quality soap for our skin and a quality shampoo for our hair. And we apply creams to our face to fight weather conditions and maintain a healthy glow.

However, when it comes to cleaning our teeth, we merely move our toothbrush up down and sideways, repeating once or twice, and then wash them off. Teeth, which are so important for the maintenance of our general health, are far too often neglected or completely ignored.

You should know, the health of your teeth has a direct bearing on the general health of your body. For one thing, your body intakes food only after it has been chewed by your teeth. Also, if your teeth for any reason have a biting problem, the food will be passed on in a semi-chewed condition, creating digestion problems. Plus, infected teeth can spoil the food and create a number of stomach diseases.

Dentists recommend a few basics steps for good dental hygiene. A simple brushing can only shine your teeth, or wipe the food particles that cling to them, thus removing only the plaque residing on the surface of the teeth. Therefore, brushing should be followed by flossing to take care of the small gaps between the teeth, which are normally the birthplaces of bacteria.

Brush After Every Meal

This prevents plaque from collecting around and between your teeth. Tartar is the hard substance that accumulates around the gum and bone of the teeth. You should not try to remove it by yourself as you may end up damaging your precious teeth in the process.

Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth are clear indications of your teeth getting into difficulties, and the need for an urgent visit to your dentist.

People often ignore a little bleeding while brushing their teeth, or do not pay due attention to red or swelling gums. These may be the symptoms of gingivitis. However, seek the advice of your dentist before jumping to any conclusions. Gingivitis can be reversed if afforded timely and proper treatment.

However, if this condition is ignored the layer of gums and bones will start receding away from the teeth. This gap becomes the breeding ground for bacteria to multiply and infect the area. The supporting bones start degenerating, culminating in teeth coming loose and eventually falling out.

The only way out to keep your teeth healthy and shiny is to pay regular visits to your dentist and pay special attention to your dental hygiene. A regular examination of your teeth will help your dentist take preventive measures before it is too late.

For a complimentary examination appointment to check out the condition of your teeth and get answers to any dental hygiene questions you may have, please contact us online or call 650-965-1234.

We'll answer any questions you may have, and give you a free written estimate regarding costs and insurance benefits before you leave.

Call us today!

Dr. Burch