Do you have a good oral care routine? If not, your dentist in Wahiawa, HI, Dr. Mildred Arucan-Masunaga, can help you develop one.

It starts with you

You, the patient, are the center of any oral care routine. In the privacy of your own home, you need to brush twice a day and floss at least once daily to remove the plaque and tartar which can damage your teeth and gums. Take your time with these simple practices, and they'll be effective.

The Dental Health Foundation says that flossing and tooth brushing should be gentle. In other words, don't bombard your gums with a vigorous technique, but rather, be slow and methodical for best plaque removal.

Additionally, you need to watch what you put in your mouth. Eat a low-carb diet, drink plenty of water to stimulate saliva production, and stop all tobacco usage. Not only do cigarettes give you bad breath, they stain your teeth, degrade gum tissue, and cause oral cancer amongst other serious systemic health problems.

Finally, protect your enamel from excessive wear or traumatic damage. Teeth clenching (bruxism) and sports injuries compromise your tooth structure, so make sure to consistently wear a bite guard or athletic mouthguard.

Your dentist is your partner

At her Wahiawa, dental practice, Dr. Arucan-Masunaga delivers excellent in-office care, including cleanings to remove plaque/tartar and careful examinations to check for decay, gum disease, bite issues, oral cancer, and more. Your dentist and hygienist will also educate you on ways to improve your brushing and flossing techniques at home.

To further protect your smile, Dr. Arucan-Masunaga frequently advises fluoride supplementation. An easily applied varnish, this in-office treatment targets at-risk tooth surfaces, protecting them from decay.

Finally, know that your dentist in Wahiawa is available to treat your teeth in the event of a dental emergency. Quick action for pressing oral health needs, such as tooth avulsion or lost restorations, prevent further damage. So, if you get into trouble, call the office right away!

A great smile now and in the future

That's what good oral care routines are all about. To arrange your six-month visit with Dr. Mildren Arucan-Masunaga, call her office staff in Wahiawa, Hi, at (808) 622-0001.