If you have a problem with your smile and need something such as a root canal or crown, if you just want a boost to your appearance with a teeth whitening treatment or if it is time for your regular visit, our dentist and team at Sierra Oaks Dental are here to help. But your smile’s success depends on when you are at home. A sound oral hygiene regimen can keep your smile clean and healthy between visits with Dr. Peter Kim. You can learn more about oral hygiene in Sacramento, California, by viewing the information below or by calling (916) 481-2000 to schedule your appointment.

What Is Oral Hygiene?

Oral hygiene refers to the cleanliness and health of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, tongue and other areas of your oral cavity. Good oral hygiene is maintained through daily habits that promote a healthy, bright smile. Our dentist and team recommend the following oral hygiene steps to keep your smile looking and feelings its best:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice every day. We also encourage you to brush after meals if possible. We suggest using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste with fluoride.
  • Floss your teeth at least once every day. The best time to floss is at night before you to go to bed.
  • Eat a nutritious diet and especially avoid sugary and acidic foods. Sugars and acids can lead to more decay or other problems, especially if you do not brush them away quickly.
  • See our dental team and dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings. We will carefully clean your teeth and look for any problem areas that need special care.

Why Opt for Oral Hygiene?

Our commitment to you is to help you improve and maintain your oral health through the promotion of good oral hygiene. While our cleanings are very thorough, it is essential you develop and keep good dental habits at home. We only see you a couple times a year, after all. Bacteria can cause harm to your gums and teeth in as little as a few days or weeks, so it is important you maintain good oral hygiene each day on your own.

Benefits of Oral Hygiene

Brushing, flossing and other oral hygiene habits can keep your teeth and gums strong and disease-free. Good oral hygiene prevents a build-up of bacteria and plaque on your teeth and gums, which prevents infection and greatly reduces the risk of the need for root canal therapy or tooth extraction. Even if you do develop a mild infection such as gingivitis, the effects can often be reversed through good oral hygiene care.

Process of Receiving Oral Hygiene Therapy

When you come in for an appointment with our dentist and team, we will ask you about your oral hygiene habits at home and offer any advice about what you can do to improve your oral healthcare routine. We will also clean your teeth thoroughly, removing the plaque and bacterial build-up you were unable to remove yourself at home. We recommend you come and see us for oral hygiene tips and dental cleanings at least once every six months.

Cost of Oral Hygiene Therapy

The cost of your unique oral hygiene therapy will depend on your smile needs. We may need to do more than a routine cleaning, such as scaling and root planing. We will discuss the details of the oral hygiene therapy we feel you need.

To learn more about how you can improve your oral hygiene and schedule your appointment for oral hygiene therapy with our team, please give us a call!