Fairbanks Oral Hygiene

Although the most important dental hygiene techniques are performed at home through brushing, flossing and avoiding activities harmful to oral health, none of these techniques are effective at removing plaque or tartar. Rather, regular trips to the dentist are required for these preventative procedures to prevent the risk of tooth loss or degradation that could require much more expensive and invasive procedures. If you experience toothaches, sensitivity to cold or heat or gum pain, it is time to visit Andrea L. Earnest, DDS, LLC in Fairbanks for dental hygiene procedures. No amount of at home care can prevent dental problems from occurring.

In addition to cleaning and removing built up plaque from your teeth, your Fairbanks dentist will also use preventative techniques such as using X-rays and measuring bite to determine if you need further procedures. This is because any unnatural changes in your teeth can result in further damage that could require much more substantial care or procedures.

Just like proper diet and regular exercise is required to maintaining a healthy body, dental hygiene is required for maintaining a healthy mouth. Even if you think that you have a healthy mouth, there may be underlying problems that can be identified and corrected by your Fairbanks dentist.

• Use an antiseptic mouthwash each day to help prevent gum disease. In particular, for those who are unable to use a toothbrush, regular rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash will help to clean the teeth.


• Clean your tongue after cleaning your teeth. You can do this with a toothbrush. There are also special plastic tongue scrapers available in pharmacies.


• Avoid smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for developing gum disease.


• Limit the amount of sugary foods and drinks that you have. Sugars and sugary foods in the mouth are the main foods that bacteria thrive on to make acid which can contribute to tooth decay.


• If children need medicines, wherever possible use sugar free medicines.


• Chewing sugar free gum increases the flow of saliva. Saliva helps to 'flush' the mouth to help clear any debris remaining from the meal.