Many people may believe that they do not have time for routine dental care, which consists of daily brushing and flossing as well as periodic cleaning by a dentist. Admittedly, these tasks do take some time but should be a priority even in a busy schedule. People who do not take time for brushing, flossing, and checkups run the risk of serious dental problems, which not only take time to correct but are expensive as well.
The cornerstone of effective routine dental care should be brushing and flossing on a daily basis. Flossing should be performed at least once a day. It should include the back teeth as well as the front teeth and get into the areas that toothbrushes cannot reach.
People who think they do not have time for flossing may find that they are able to multitask and floss while performing some other activity, such as watching television. Dental floss is considered the most effective tool, but some people find it uncomfortable to use. Alternatives include individual plastic flossers, cordless tools that shoot a cleansing stream of water between the teeth, and dental tape that is wider to prevent cutting into the gums.
Dentists recommend brushing after every meal or snack if possible. However, for many people with busy schedules, this is an unrealistic expectation. Therefore, dentists usually advise brushing at least twice a day, typically after breakfast and before going to bed. The duration of each toothbrushing session should be at least two minutes. Effective brushing involves reaching all accessible sides of the teeth, not just the fronts. However, because the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach in between the teeth, brushing cannot take the place of flossing.
Most people need professional dental cleanings at least once a year. Some persons require them twice yearly or every six months. A dentist can recommend the frequency of cleanings for an individual patient.
Working regular dental cleanings into an already busy schedule can be a challenge, especially for people who have difficulty taking time off from work. The following tips may help.
Many dentist offices offer appointments on certain days outside of the usual nine-to-five schedule. This is done specifically for people who work during the day and have difficulty arranging time off.
Although a patient may still need to be away from work for a short period, scheduling dental cleanings early in the day can minimize the time that a patient has to wait in the office prior to the appointment.
Paperwork is a necessary part of any dental practice, and a number of forms are often required from new patients. If the office can send the patient these documents to fill out in advance, it can save time and may allow the patient to be seen right away.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Care in Emerson, NJ
It is easy to become preoccupied with multiple obligations and neglect routine dental care. However, there are ways to fit this regimen effectively into a busy schedule and help prevent serious oral health problems later.
Request an appointment or call Emerson Dental Associates at 201-620-9998 for an appointment in our Emerson office.
Daily oral hygiene habits should not be considered a substitute for the routine dental care that occurs during a dental checkup and cleaning. There are oral health concerns that a dentist will be able to proactively address during an office visit, but the equipment and tools used to care for both teeth and gums are…
Professional teeth cleaning is an important aspect of routine dental care. In addition to practicing thorough oral hygiene habits that include regular brushing and flossing of the teeth, patients should always maintain biannual dental exams to ensure excellent oral health.The following are a few of the numerous benefits that regular teeth cleanings offer when included…
Routine dental care is one of the most important factors contributing to good dental health. While going to the dentist twice a year is the standard rule of thumb, the frequency of the visits ultimately depends on the patient's needs and the recommendation of the dentist. Learn how often routine care should be scheduled and…
A toothache occurs when one or more of your teeth have been damaged, and it might be a sign that emergency dentist is needed. Toothaches are sometimes accompanied by a fever, and that is often a sign of an infection in or around a tooth.A dental infection is a serious health issue because the infection…
When considering full mouth reconstruction to restore oral health, it is important to learn about the process, including the choice to make. When multiple dental issues are present, a full mouth reconstruction is usually the best procedure to correct the problems and restore oral functions and one's appearance. Since there is a lot of information…