Daily dental care is the foundation of a healthy and bright smile. From my perspective, as dentistI can tell you that maintaining good oral hygiene is not just a matter of aesthetics, it is essential for overall health.
Therefore, in this article I want to give you clear and detailed information on how to take good care of your teeth to avoid problems that may arise in the long term. Prevention is always simpler and cheaper than treatment!
The importance of proper dental care
Proper dental care is essential to prevent a number of common dental problems such as tooth decay, periodontal disease and even tooth loss. In addition to oral health, poor dental hygiene can have a negative impact on overall health. Studies have shown that gum disease is associated with diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and pregnancy complications.
According to the World Health Organization, around 3.5 billion people worldwide suffer from oral diseases, the most common of which is tooth decay. In Romania, statistics show that almost 70% of adults have dental problems and only go to the dentist when the pain becomes unbearable.
How to look after your teeth properly: essential steps
1. Brushing your teeth correctly
Brushing your teeth twice a day, morning and evening, is essential for removing plaque and preventing cavities. Here are some recommendations:
- Toothbrush: Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damage to enamel and gums. Change your toothbrush every 3 months or when you notice that the bristles are worn down.
- Brushing technique: Use circular motions and be sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth, including the area at the base of the gums. A proper brushing should take at least 2 minutes.
- Fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride is essential for strengthening enamel and preventing tooth decay. Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste recommended by your dentist.
2. Flossing
Dental floss is essential to clean interdental spaces where toothbrushes can’t reach. Interdental cavities are common and are often not visible until they become a serious problem.
- Floss daily, preferably in the evening, to remove food debris and plaque between your teeth. Regular flossing can prevent tartar build-up and gum inflammation.
3. Rinse with mouthwash
An antibacterial mouthwash helps to reduce the number of bacteria in the oral cavity and keep your breath fresh. It is preferable to choose a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol, as this can dry out the oral cavity and cause long-term discomfort.
4. Using the mouth irrigator
A very useful and often neglected tool in dental care is the mouth irrigator. It uses a jet of water to clean interdental spaces and the gumline. Studies have shown that using the mouth irrigator with daily brushing can reduce plaque up to 51% more effectively than brushing and flossing alone.
- The mouth irrigator is ideal for people who wear braces, implants or dental crowns as it helps to effectively clean hard-to-reach areas.
- I recommend using this device at least once a day, preferably in the evening, after brushing and flossing.
5. Regular visits to the dentist
I strongly recommend that everyone has a routine dental check-up at least twice a year. These visits help us to detect and treat any dental problems early, whether it’s an incipient cavity or gum disease. Only 20% of Romanians get regular check-ups, which contributes to an increase in serious dental problems that can be costly and painful.
Why is a visit to the dentist necessary?
Regular visits to the dentist are crucial for preventing dental problems and maintaining oral health. Statistics show that 9 out of 10 adults suffer from dental problems at some point in their lives, and 70% of Romanians do not visit the dentist regularly, according to a study conducted by the Ministry of Health.
Your dentist can spot the early signs of problems, such as cavities or gingivitis, which, if treated early, can prevent serious conditions. Research shows that people who visit the dentist twice a year are 50% less likely to develop complex dental conditions than those who neglect regular check-ups.
Benefits of proper dental care
Good oral hygiene not only prevents dental problems, it also offers a number of important benefits:
- Optimal oral health: Prevent cavities, tartar and gum disease.
- Fresh breath: Proper oral hygiene helps avoid halitosis (unpleasant breath odor).
- Improve digestion: Healthy teeth ensure proper chewing, which helps digestion work more efficiently.
- Reducing general health risks: poor oral hygiene is associated with systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
When should you go to the dentist?
Visiting the dentist should be a regular part of your health routine, just like visiting your GP. It is recommended that you visit your dentist at least once every 6 months, but there are certain situations when you should go earlier:
- Dental pain: Any pain or discomfort in the dental area is a clear sign that something is wrong and requires a visit to the dentist.
- Bleeding gums: If you notice that your gums bleed frequently while brushing, this may indicate gingivitis.
- Increased sensitivity to cold or hot food: This can be a sign of enamel erosion or hidden tooth decay.
- Persistent bad breath: Halitosis (bad breath) can signal the presence of bacteria and requires dental attention.
Common dental problems identified by doctors:
- Cavities: About 92% of adults have had at least one cavity at some point, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Gum disease: this affects about 50% of people over 30.
- Tooth sensitivity: Nearly 1 in 4 people experience tooth sensitivity at some point.
Why is so special INO Dental?
INO Dental is a dental office dedicated to quality oral care, with a professional team and services tailored to each patient’s needs. Choosing a reliable dental practice is essential to ensure you receive the best care for your dental health.
What makes INO Dental different?
- Experienced team: our doctors have extensive experience in dentistry, from simple treatments to complex interventions.
- Modern technology: we use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure precise and effective treatments.
- Friendly and relaxed atmosphere: we understand that visits to the dentist can be stressful, so we make sure you feel comfortable and well cared for.
- Flexible schedules: we understand patients’ busy schedules and offer flexibility in treatment appointments.
Cases of our patients
At INO Dental, we have dealt with a variety of complex cases, from complete dental restorations to advanced implant and esthetic dentistry treatments. Every patient has a unique story, and our treatments are always personalized to suit each individual’s needs. We are proud of the results we have achieved and the smiles we have given back to our patients.
You can explore some of these cases by visiting our dedicated page at INO Dental Caseswhere you will find detailed examples of successful treatments carried out by our team.
Schedule your dental checkup today and start taking the care your smile deserves!