08
Feb
The Ultimate Boise Dental Guide To Oral Health
At Summit Dental, we believe that preventative care and education are extremely important to optimal dental health. We focus on thorough exams, checking the overall health of teeth and gums, knowing how crucial this is in preventing dental disease. Not only are we concerned about the beauty of our patient’s smile, we are also concerned about the overall health of our patients. That’s why we’d like to provide you with the following ultimate dental guide to oral health.
Use The Proper Tools
Toothbrush
When you purchase a toothbrush, it’s important to make sure to choose one with a medium sized head and soft bristles to help avoid damage to the teeth and gums. Brushing with medium or hard bristled toothbrushes can erode your enamel – the outer covering of the tooth. You should also make sure to replace your toothbrush every 3 months or if you’ve been sick.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is made up of mild abrasives that help combat the growth of bacteria while preventing the buildup of plaque. When you brush with toothpaste, the abrasives work to remove microorganisms and leftover food particles while polishing the surface areas of your teeth. When purchasing a toothpaste, make sure to choose one with the ADA (American Dental Association) seal. This ensures the toothpaste has been tested and that you are getting a quality product.
Mouthwash
Adding mouthwash to your daily oral health routine can provide you with a wide variety of benefits. These include fresh breath, the prevention of plaque, and the removal of any leftover food particles. Like toothpaste, however, it’s important to look for a mouthwash with the ADA (American Dental Association) seal. This ensures the mouthwash has been tested and that there is clear evidence that it works to help reduce plaque and tartar, prevent gingivitis, and strengthen teeth.
Floss
Floss comes in a wide variety of flavors, sizes, thicknesses, coatings, and specialty uses. When it comes down to a specific brand, however, it’s important to keep in mind that no floss is more effective than another when it comes to cleaning your teeth. It all comes down to what type of floss you prefer and feel comfortable using when it comes to your daily regimen. No matter what type you choose, flossing helps to promote clean teeth and remove food particles and bacteria.
Whitening Products
When your smile starts to dull, many people attempt to use an over-the-counter whitening product. While these products are cheap and convenient, they cannot provide you with the professional results you’re looking for. Instead, it’s best to seek the help of your Boise dentist to provide you with a professional teeth whitening treatment that is safe, fast and effective. Not only will you love the results, you’ll finally want to show off your clean, white smile!
Choosing A Boise Dentist
You may think that choosing a dentist is no big deal. After all, you only see them a couple of times a year for regular exams and cleanings. But how comfortable are you choosing a dentist at random? Will they treat you like a stranger? Do they have good reviews? While there are plenty of dental offices to choose from, it’s important to find the right dentist that will not only fit your needs but provide you with the best quality dental care you can trust.
Below are some things you may want to factor when choosing a Boise dentist.
Location
An important thing to consider when choosing a dentist is whether or not their office is within a reasonable distance. How far are you willing to travel for checkups and exams?
Reputation
Once you’ve decided how far you are willing to drive for your appointments, you’ll want to find a dentist with a good reputation. Take the time to check Google reviews while asking for recommendations from your friends and family.
Specialization
It’s important to find a Boise dentist that specializes in the treatment services you need for a healthy, beautiful smile.
- General Dentistry. This includes thorough exams – checking the overall health of teeth and gums, cleanings, dental sealants, and basic restorations to fix small cavities.
- Restorative Dentistry. This includes restorative care for missing teeth with treatments like dental crowns and bridges, implants, inlays, and onlays. Many of these treatment options can be done in a single Boise dental visit!
- Cosmetic Dentistry. Best smile restorations include porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and Invisalign braces.
Comfort
Last but not least, it’s important to feel safe and comfortable when you visit your dentist. That’s why you may want to visit a dentist office before you make an appointment to get a feel for their practice. A good dentist will always want you to feel comfortable and at ease.
Regular Dental Exams & Cleanings
When it comes to good oral health, you won’t go wrong by sticking to the basics. This means addressing things like tooth decay and gum disease with a focus on preventative care. As the cornerstones of general dentistry and routine dental visits, they should never be taken for granted. That’s why it’s so important to visit your Boise dentist every six months for a regular exam.
Dental X-rays & Diagnostics
During a routine dental exam, a patient can expect to undergo x-rays and basic diagnostics to check for hidden dental abnormalities. This allows your dentist to get a better look at your teeth and gums in order to recommend an effective treatment plan. Early detection of problems can save you from unnecessary pain, discomfort, and money. X-rays should be taken every few years depending on your medical history and risk. Keep in mind that dental x-rays are completely safe because the amount of radiation exposure is very minimal.
Routine Cleanings
Another crucial part of a regular dental visit is a routine cleaning. A regular teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist is recommended to remove tartar that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing. There are some areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach with a regular toothbrush and floss. A professional teeth cleaning includes tooth scaling and tooth polishing. If there is a large amount of tartar buildup, sometimes other instruments are used also to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth. It is recommended that teeth be professionally cleaned at least one to two times per year. More frequent cleaning may be necessary if other dental or oral problems are present.
Check Your Teeth & Gums
Once your teeth have been cleaned, your dentist will then check your teeth and gums carefully. This allows us to note any cavities that may be forming as well as any other underlying issues that can affect your oral health.
Future Treatment Options
Lastly, a consultation is done to discuss treatment options, allowing you to make an informed decision and proceed with the best course of treatment recommended by your dentist. Treatment options can include filling a simple cavity or a more major dental procedure like a root canal. This will allow you and your dentist to address any risks and benefits while clearing up any concerns that you may have about a future treatment option.
Helpful Tips for Preventive Care
A routine exam and cleaning is a wonderful time for your dentist to offer some helpful tips for preventative dentistry and advanced dental care. This can include pointing out issues with your oral hygiene techniques or recommending ways to prevent serious dental problems from developing based on your current needs and concerns.
Ready To Boost Your Oral Health?
Everyone wants a healthy, beautiful smile. That’s why good oral hygiene is important. Not caring for your teeth will not only affect your appearance, it can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems as well. At Summit Dental Group, you’re more than just a patient. To us, you are an important part of our dental family. We make it a top priority to listen to your concerns while tailoring a treatment plan to accommodate what works best for you.
Our Boise dentists understand that every patient is different, and our staff respects the choices you make when it comes to your oral health care. By continually striving to add value to the services we provide the community, you can feel good knowing our team is interested in getting to know you as a person while providing you with the best treatment options available. Our goal is to not only build strong relationships with our Treasure Valley patients but ultimately improve their lives through the services we provide.
If you are ready to boost your oral health, contact us at (208) 314-2275 for more information and to make an appointment with one of our helpful dentists.