Dental Hygiene

Proper dental hygiene is very important to us here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, which is why we encourage all of our patients to pay close attention to their oral health. Oral hygiene not only affects dental health, but the patient’s overall health as well.

 

With regular home care, our patients can have teeth that are free of debris and bacteria, better smelling breath, and healthier teeth overall. It helps them battle gum disease, infection, and prevents possible procedures as a result of tooth decay.

 

We recommend the following practices for dental hygiene and periodontal health:

• Brush their teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes each time.
• Floss their teeth at least once a day.
• Use toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride.
• Eat a healthy diet with minimal snacks and sugar-filled choices.
• Drink plenty of water and decreasing soda, coffee and wine.
• Visit your general dentist twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning

With these simple daily practices, patients stand to have a healthier mouth and better overall health. They are taking good care of their teeth in between visits, and seeing us regularly to assess the health of their mouth and provide more education for good dental hygiene. 

How Smoking Affects Post Op Extractions

Following a tooth extraction, the mouth should be carefully protected to minimize any risk of complications or compromise in healing.  This is an especially important consideration for smokers. Smoking cigarettes within the first forty-eight hours of a tooth extraction could increase the risk of treatment site complications, including the development of a dry socket, or alveolar osteitis. The risk is greatly increased within the first few hours of the post op, so it’s best to avoid cigarettes for as long as possible.

 

While tobacco can be harmful to long term oral health, the immediate issue of smoking after an extraction is the inhaling and pressure in the mouth that occurs in the physical act of smoking.  This can worsen pain and complicate healing. If you cannot go for an extended time without a cigarette, it may be best to prepare for your extraction procedure and post op by using a nicotine patch several days prior to your appointment.

 

For complete information on how you can prepare for your extraction and ensure a speedy, healthy recovery, visit our website, www.oralsurgerypa.com.