Basic Dental Care in Rockefeller Plaza

Good oral hygiene and physical health are integral elements of overall good health, although many people don’t connect the two. Without one, you can’t have the other. Research has shown a correlation between the incidence of major diseases such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, and cancer, and the condition of a person’s oral health.

For the best oral health possible, you should have a dental exam and teeth cleaning at least once annually; twice is more beneficial.

If you need to schedule an appointment for your annual checkup or for any other reason, click here.

What Should Basic Dental Care Consist Of?

Your basic dental care regimen should consist of:

● Brushing at least twice daily

● Flossing at least once daily

● Using a fluoridated toothpaste, either gel or paste

● Regular dental checkups and cleanings

In addition to your annual checkup, we recommend that patients get an oral cancer screening. The incidence of oral cancer is rapidly rising, and it now accounts for more than three percent of all new cancer diagnoses in the U.S., and those who smoke or drink are at higher risk. Screening for oral cancer is painless and non-invasive. Your dentist will screen for it during your exam. If you have any questions, call our Rockefeller Plaza office, and we’ll answer them.

Do You Brush At Least Twice Daily?

If you don’t brush at least twice each day, you should start. The American Dental Association recommends brushing a minimum of twice daily, especially just before going to bed. This removes food particles and bacteria that may be lingering in your mouth and keeps them from starting decay and plaque overnight. If you don’t brush your tongue – which many people don’t – it’s a good additional step to remove bacteria. If you have questions about how to brush your tongue, your dentist can answer them.

When you brush your teeth, you should brush for 30 seconds in each quadrant of your mouth. A quadrant is:

● The upper right side of your jaw

● The lower right side of your jaw

● The upper left side of your jaw

● The lower left side of your jaw

It doesn’t matter the order in which you brush as long as the entire process takes two full minutes, and you spend at least 30 seconds on each quadrant. Some models of electric toothbrushes will notify you when the two minutes are up.

Whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric one, it doesn’t matter as long as it has soft bristles of varying lengths and is sized to fit your mouth. Pay no attention to the description of adult or child on the toothbrush packaging. Some adults require child-sized toothbrushes, while some children require adult-sized toothbrushes. Buy the size that best fits your mouth regardless of the marketing information on the package. If you have questions or concerns, ask your dentist for a recommendation.

When you brush, use gentle pressure in a circular motion with back-and-forth strokes. This will ensure that your brushing is as effective as possible.

Change your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles become frayed or start to splay. If you’ve been ill, change your toothbrush as soon as you recover so that you don’t reinfect yourself.

Do You Use Fluoridated Toothpaste?

Companies began adding fluoride to toothpaste in the 1950’s because research indicated that it strengthened tooth enamel and reduced cavities. Most brands of toothpaste now contain fluoride, but most municipalities also fluoridate their water supply, so people may be concerned that they’re getting too much fluoride in their bodies.

Since city water is fluoridated only to the minimum standards for health, this is unlikely. However, the presence of too much fluoride in your body will be symptomatic, so talk to your dentist about your concerns.

Do You Floss Daily?

Flossing is another beneficial activity for your teeth and gums. After you eat, food particles and bacteria get trapped between your teeth and gums. Decay can start, and plaque can form. Plaque is a very tough substance that can only be removed by a dentist, and if it remains on the teeth, it can cause gum disease.

Flossing removes the food particles and bacteria, so decay and disease don’t start. The ADA recommends that you floss at least once each day, preferably at bedtime, and don’t eat or drink anything except plain water after you floss. Otherwise, you’ll accumulate food particles and bacteria in your mouth again. The best option is to brush and floss after each meal or snack, but that doesn’t always work with your schedule. At those times, you can rinse your mouth well with clear water until you can brush and floss, and that will remove many of the bacteria.

The type of floss you use doesn’t matter. Options include traditional dental floss, floss picks, and water flossers. The type you use is less important than the act of flossing.

Want More Tips for Basic Dental Care?

One of the best activities for your basic dental care is always selecting products that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance, so you know you’re getting a quality product. Rinsing your mouth when you can’t brush and floss is another habit that will increase the quality of your oral hygiene regimen. Assembling an on-the-go kit with travel-sized versions of your favorite dental products will help you to maintain the best oral hygiene possible when you’re out and about.

Your diet also plays a role in your dental health, so consider snacking on nuts, fruits, and vegetables rather than high-calorie, nutrient-deficient snack foods like chips, candy, and cookies. Your waistline will thank you, as will your healthy teeth and gums.

Do You Need On-The-Go Tips?

If you need additional tips for maintaining good dental health when you’re away from home, ask your dentist. They’ll be happy to share their years of experience with you so that you can have the best oral health possible.

Do You Practice Good Prevention Habits?

In addition to the above, your dentist is your best friend and ally in maintaining good oral health. Make sure you schedule annual dental checkups and teeth cleaning at a minimum and be sure to include a screening for oral cancer. If you smoke or drink, consider quitting to improve your oral health.

Click here to schedule your next cleaning and checkup!

We Can Help You

If you need to schedule a dental appointment, call Richard L. Rausch, DDS at (646) 863-8184 and let us help you. We’re among the best in the Rockefeller Plaza area for dental services, and we’re sure you’ll be please with your dental services.

Click here to schedule your appointment today. You’ll be glad you did.