Although the Parkcrest Dental Group would never recommend that you try pulling your own teeth at home, there are a few general dentistry care methods you can do at home to reduce the need for more invasive or complicated procedures. Just remember, never try anything potentially dangerous or challenging yourself – if you need general dentistry work or more intensive oral care, always have it done by a professional.
Interdental Cleaners
We’ve already highlighted the importance of regular flossing in a previous blog, and we’re sure you’ve heard it plenty of times from your dentist, too. But, sometimes, floss may not be enough to clean stubborn build up between your teeth. Interdental cleaners are a great alternative to floss that offer more intensive and aggressive cleaning. These small, wand-shaped brushes can fit between teeth more easily than floss, particularly teeth that are harder to reach. They also make cleaning between or around braces much easier, reducing your need for general dentistry care between orthodontist visits.
Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Group: Interdental Brushes For Great Dental Health
Mouth Mirrors
Did you know that you can buy the small, round mirrors that dentists have used for many years? Most supermarkets will stock these convenient tools that let you take a closer look inside your mouth to check for stains or the buildup of plaque. This makes keeping cleaning your teeth much easier, potentially reducing your need for general dentistry, and reducing possible problems like cavities. It’s also a great opportunity to get more familiar with your own teeth so that you know where problems might crop up, or where a particular, nagging pain may be coming from.
Tongue Scrapers
Are you conscious about whether or not you have bad breath? Do you rely on mouthwash and chewing gum to keep it at bay? Using a tongue scraper is a lesser known, effective way of ridding your mouth of the bacteria that can build up over time and lead to persistent bad breath. Be careful not to be too rough, however, since it’s possible to overdo it and damage the surface of your tongue – tongue scrapes should be used sparingly and gently to be their most effective. You should also remember that using one is never a substitute for proper brushing and good oral hygiene.
Plaque Staining
One of the most common procedures in general dentistry is scraping the teeth clean of plaque. Plaque is a persistent pest in oral hygiene and, if left untreated, can lead to a long list of different issues. Preventing plaque involves regular and thorough brushing and flossing, but sometimes it’s not enough. Plaque can also be hard to spot, but plaque staining is an effective way to find more elusive spots. Kits for plaque staining at home usually involve chewing a tablet that will leave stains on plaque-afflicted areas of your teeth, allowing you to clean, or just identify where these areas are.
Related Post: Plaque Staining Products For Pediatric Dental Health
General Dentistry DIY & Regular Dentist Visits
Of course, while these are great methods of caring for your oral hygiene, nothing acts as a substitute for visiting a professional. For in-depth, expert and understanding general dentistry, or oral, pediatric, and cosmetic dentistry, contact the Parkcrest Dental Group today.
