Your Guide to Oral Health and Hygiene

In 2023, over half of adults reported that dental care was not affordable, with a similar number reporting that delaying oral care due to costs resulted in even more dental issues. Even though we all know the old advice about brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, rising dental expenditures suggest that people need more in-depth help with daily oral health care.

At Keys Dental Specialists, we strive to be the best Key West dentist by putting our patients’ needs first. We go beyond the ordinary advice to educate our patients on their oral health routines. Continue reading to learn how you can improve your oral health and hygiene this year and reduce overall dental costs. Our goal is to help you care for your own smile so that when you do need extra oral care, you can be sure that it’s worth it.

Brush correctly

“Brush twice a day” is good basic advice for average oral care. However, this advice neglects to mention how patients should brush to best prevent costly oral health issues.

You may have heard that you should brush for two minutes, but you should also know that brushing for two minutes in one spot can actually do more harm than good. When you over-brush or use too much pressure on one spot, you can accidentally wear away the valuable tooth enamel that shields teeth from oral diseases.

Search online for a video of someone cleaning rust off a metal tool using a toothbrush. That’s what a lot of people are doing to their tooth enamel.

So what’s the solution? We recommend breaking up your two minutes of brushing into four thirty-second segments, one for each quarter of your mouth. Think of it like this: top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right. With this strategy, you can get the benefits of brushing without the wear and tear on your teeth.

Buy the right toothbrush

In the same way that using too much pressure can damage tooth enamel, a toothbrush with hard bristles can finish the job. Conversely, a toothbrush that’s too soft might not do any good at all. Many patients ask us how they can tell the difference. Though the answer is different for everyone, the symptoms of overbrushing are often easily identified.

The signs of brushing too hard, whether due to using too much pressure or a hard-bristled brush, include:

• A receding gumline
• Sensitivity to hot or cold food
• Bleeding while brushing
• Dull or discolored teeth
• Toothbrush heads that fray quickly

A mechanical toothbrush from a reputable brand like Philips circumvents the problem of overbrushing in several ways. The motorized brushing motion, which is proven to be more effective than manual brushing, means that you can let the brush do the work. Some even have built-in timers that can tell you when to switch sides.

Remember that toothbrushes and toothbrush heads are most effective for 3-4 months. After that, they become frayed and inefficient. Though the price of toothbrush replacements adds up, the price of oral health issues related to inefficient brushing adds up faster.

Floss both sides of each tooth

Every tooth is separated by a section of gum called a papilla. This piece of gum has two sides, one for each neighboring tooth, and both need to be flossed. By angling the floss toward the tooth and flossing twice in each gap, you can prevent food debris buildup that commonly causes cavities.

Unlike brushing, flossing can’t usually be overdone. Though most dentists recommend flossing once per day, you would ideally do so after each meal. However, like brushing, it’s possible to floss too hard, which can lead to bleeding and gum recession. Listen to your mouth and speak with your dentist about alternatives like floss threaders if you’re having trouble.

Use the right toothpaste

Many toothpastes advertise whitening benefits due to abrasives or chemicals added to their formulas. These additives can cause wear and tear on valuable enamel, but they can also provide benefits in certain cases. You should always speak with your dentist about your unique oral care needs to determine the type of toothpaste you should buy.

However, you should always ensure your toothpaste contains fluoride, a mineral that fights tooth decay by reinforcing your enamel and killing harmful bacteria. Fluoride is essential to proper oral healthcare and should always be included in your routine.

Use mouthwash

Speaking of fluoride, a good mouthwash also contains this useful, naturally occurring mineral to help reinforce your anti-cavity defense strategy even further. We recommend using mouthwash once a day.

Aim for around 25 ml, or about the amount that would fit in the cap of a large mouthwash bottle. Swish for 30 seconds, up to a minute, and remember to spit, not swallow.

Use a Waterpik

A Waterpik or water flosser is a great addition to your flossing routine. Many patients mistake Waterpiks and similar devices as “replacements” for flossing. However, while the high-pressure water stream can certainly reduce buildup before it becomes plaque and tartar, it cannot replace proper flossing.

Our tip is to pour a small amount of mouthwash into the basin to get added plaque-fighting benefits from this once-daily routine.

Remember your tongue

Did you know that your tongue contains so much bacteria that some studies have even suggested that regularly brushing it can actually lower systolic blood pressure? Tongue cleaning is an undervalued aspect of daily oral health, and it’s as easy as gently scrubbing it with your toothbrush to balance the bacteria, improve bad breath, and keep your teeth healthier.

Drink plenty of water

Proper hydration, often defined as 1 ounce of water per day for every 2 pounds of weight, can help you maintain better oral health. Drinking water flushes out food debris and prevents plaque from forming. It also stimulates saliva, which is your natural protective barrier against harmful bacteria.

Eat for oral health

We all know to limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks to give our teeth a fighting chance against plaque. But did you also know that certain foods can make teeth stronger and healthier? Choose crunchy, fibrous fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots to give your teeth and jaw a healthy workout.

Relying on processed, mushy foods, especially at very young and very old ages, can lead to lower stimulation of tooth roots, weaker enamel, and even lower bone density.

Don’t neglect your annual visits

No matter how careful you are with your daily oral healthcare routine, twice-annual visits to a professional dentist are crucial to staying ahead of any issues. Even a cavity can become an issue serious enough to warrant a root canal through a seemingly simple delay.

Don’t let high dental costs or dental anxiety prevent you from receiving the care you deserve. Providers are out there who will work with you and deliver the best care possible in your unique situation.

Visit Keys Dental Specialists for Advanced Restorative Dentistry

At Keys Dental Specialists, we pride ourselves on being the best Key West dentist in the fields of maxillofacial surgery and restorative dentistry. Our surgeon, Dr. Eberle, is double board-certified in providing complex dental implant restorations including root canals, jaw and facial reconstructions, dental implants, bone grafts, corrective jaw surgeries, and more.

Our team of specialists is committed to helping you find the level of care you deserve. Feel free to contact us so we can help you get on the right track to discovering (or rediscovering) your ideal smile.