Dental Hygiene Specialist

What is dental hygiene?

Dental hygiene is the maintenance of your oral health and the cornerstone of good preventive care. It involves regular brushing and flossing, eating well, and maintaining routine cleanings and exams at Sunshine Dental.

By practicing good dental hygiene, you keep your mouth in a constant state of good health, which saves you from undergoing costly and invasive procedures. The most common conditions that result from negligent dental hygiene are tooth decay, tooth discoloration, gingivitis, and periodontitis. 

Why is dental hygiene important?

Your mouth is one of the primary gateways to the rest of your body, so your dental hygiene affects more than just the health of your mouth and the appearance of your smile.

Poor oral health can impact the overall health of your entire body and has been linked to several serious conditions, like heart disease and diabetes.

How can I practice good dental hygiene?

Dr. Balakrishna and the team at Sunshine Dental are passionate about teaching how to maintain good dental hygiene at home. Some ways you can keep your mouth healthy include:

Brushing

Brushing your teeth is vital to keeping your mouth clean, so make sure to follow these tips:

• Brush twice a day
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth
• Replace your toothbrush every three months
• Use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste

When you brush your teeth, make sure to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Gently move your brush back and forth along your teeth in small, circular motions and tilt your brush vertically when cleaning the inner surfaces of your teeth. 

Flossing

Flossing helps remove the plaque from between your teeth and beneath your gum line. Plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, so make sure to floss your teeth at least once a day.

Nutrition

Certain foods and beverages, like energy drinks, soda, and sticky candies, are more likely to lead to tooth decay. Keep your mouth healthy by eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in proteins.

Dental cleanings and exams

Dental cleanings and exams are an opportunity for Dr. Balakrishna to give your teeth a deep clean and monitor your mouth to make sure it’s staying healthy.

Can you whiten my teeth?

Poor dental hygiene is one of the most common reasons for stained or discolored teeth, but your teeth can also lose their whiteness due to age, genetics, and certain medications.

If you want to put the shine back in your smile, Dr. Balakrishna offers an array of safe and effective teeth whitening treatments at Sunshine Dental, including in-office whitening, take-home whitening trays, and laser whitening. 

To learn more about dental hygiene or teeth whitening, call Sunshine Dental today or schedule an appointment online.