Basic Dental Care Tips From Dental Assistants
Among the many responsibilities of a dental assistant such as chairside assisting and maintenance of patient records, among others, one of the most important responsibilities of a dental assistant is to help in educating patients about proper dental hygiene practices. Just imagine the thousands of people suffering from low self-esteem just because of how they look – without proper knowledge and guidance, they lose their smile and think negatively about themselves.
This is where a dental assistant comes in. Because one of the roles of a dental assistant is to teach about oral health care, more people – kids especially – begin to understand what dental care is about and why it is very important in keeping one healthy.
What a Dental Assistant Will Teach You
A dental assistant will tell you that not everyone is blessed with a naturally healthy gums and teeth. But this does not mean you have to suffer just because of it. For one, by understanding the basics of dental hygiene and following correct dental care practices, you can still have healthy teeth and gums. In addition, it would also help avoid the development of more serious illnesses often associated with unhealthy teeth and gums.
To start with, dental care begins with regular brushing and teeth flossing, healthy diet, and of course, regular visits to the dentist.
Brushing and Flossing
- Brush and floss at least twice a day to remove plaque and food particles stuck in-between your teeth
- If you can, brush after every meal
- Change your toothbrush quarterly and use soft-bristled brushes to you do not harm your gums
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Clean your tongue as well for fresh breath
- Use gentle strokes when flossing so you do not scrape your gums
Healthy Diet
- Drink lots of water and eat more fruits and vegetables
- If you can, minimize your intake of food that has high sugar content. Instead, use food items that are sugar-free
- Try not to eat anything before you go to sleep especially if you will not be able to brush your teeth after eating because food remnants will dry up and lead to tooth decay Regular Dental Visits
- Ensure to visit your dentist so that there is someone monitoring your oral health. Ideally, every six months is enough to keep you worry-free.
- If you have nothing to complain about your teeth, then you can even extend your visits from six months to a year.
- Any unusual pains, bleeding, or bad breath should be reported to your dentist to ensure that any of these symptoms do not turn into severe dental health problems Other Useful Tips
- You might want to consider using rinses after brushing your teeth to keep mouth feeling fresh all day
- Minimize consumption of alcohol and use of cigarettes, as these are known triggers for bad breath and teeth discoloration.
These are just some of the tips your dental assistant will share with you. On this aspect, your dental assistant is pretty much like your dentist when it comes to teaching you how to care for your teeth. Thus, heed their advice so that you will enjoy a rewarding social life, high self-esteem, and lasting oral health.