We asked Elizabeth Jones, a North Vancouver dental hygienist, some questions about good dental care.
What should every person be doing each day for basic good dental hygiene?People should be brushing thoroughly at least two times per day and definitely flossing at least once per day.
Why is flossing important and how often should it be done?Flossing removes food and bacteria that brushing alone can miss, and should be done at least once per day.
Are there other things people could be doing at home to help with dental hygiene that are not as commonly known?Since we've become a grazing society where we are often snacking between meals, it is really important that we rinse after snacking. Try to drink lots of water to prevent dry mouth.
What is the best thing people can do to help maintain good dental hygiene? People need to get their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice per year to remove calculus/plaque and help maintain their bone and gum levels. Your hygienist will show you where your bone levels are reduced and those areas that need more attention to prevent plaque buildup. Monitoring the conditions of the mouth and teeth is essential as the ultimate goal is to keep one's teeth for a lifetime. After all, bone loss = tooth loss=dentures (or implants) = expense and inconvenience.
What is the worst thing people can do for their oral hygiene?The worst thing that people can do with regard to their oral hygiene is not getting their teeth cleaned regularly by a professional hygienist. It's not dissimilar to changing the oil in your car or regularly getting your blood pressure checked.
Maintenance is key to a healthy mouth, a smooth running car, and a vital body.
Are there any foods that help with dental hygiene?A healthy diet, including crunchy fruit (such as apples) and veggies (such as celery), that encourages salivation will help with your dental hygiene.
Are there any foods that are particularly bad for dental hygiene?Sticky, sugary products such as caramels, toffee, raisins and the like are particularly bad for your dental hygiene as they stick to your teeth for lengthy periods and encourage tooth decay.
Do you know of any common misconceptions about dental hygiene?Many people assume that problems with their teeth will just go away in time. They don't. Additionally, you don't feel gum disease, and if allowed to progress you will very likely lose your teeth.
What are some warning signs that may indicate it's time to see a dentist or hygienist? Inflammation, swollen gums, and/or bleeding may indicate that it's time to see a professional dentist or hygienist.
More inportantly, don't wait until these signs appear because of possible bone loss
and gum recession, which may eventually result in tooth loss.
Elizabeth Jones is a dental hygienist who runs an independent dental hygiene clinic within the North Vancouver office of dentist Daniel How of Village Dental.
