Oral Hygiene in St. Augustine, FL

Dr. Jeremy Gordon, your dentist in St. Augustine, wants all his patients to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. Visiting Gordon Dental Associates every six months is important, but what is equally important is the way you care for your mouth every day. Good oral hygiene habits can stave off infections like dental caries (cavities) and gingivitis (gum disease). Even if you have been visiting the dentist your entire life, there is always something new to learn about taking care of your mouth.

Understanding Your Risk for Decay

What most patients don’t know is that each of us has a layer of bacteria across our teeth known as biofilm. When the bacterial community in the biofilm is out of balance and bacteria that favor the production of acid take over, dental decay occurs. Some factors influence biofilm balance, which leads to oral health diseases. Some risk factors include:

• Previous history of decay
• Diet
• Indulgent snacking
• Medication use
• Dry mouth
• Presence of oral appliances
• Smoking
• Systemic disease
• Too much bacteria or the wrong kind of bacteria in the biofilm
• Homecare

Dr. Jeremy Gordon will assess your risks for decay and discuss your particular risk factors with you to determine a specialized course of action.

Pay Attention to Your Gums - Your Heart Will Thank You

We know most folks stretch the truth when it comes to flossing. But know that we don’t ask to put you on the spot or make you feel guilty. We ask because we care. Gum disease has been connected to many systemic diseases. According to the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health:

Oral systemic health links oral health and overall wellness. Countless research has shown a link between oral health problems and diseases such as heart problems, dementia, diabetes, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, and even complications in pregnancy. 

If you are not flossing and brushing regularly, your risk for developing gum disease increases, as does your risk for these debilitating systemic issues. Brushing twice daily and flossing are more important than you may think.

Come See Us Regularly

Seeing a dental professional regularly can help mitigate your risks for serious infections or the progression of oral disease past the point of repair. Seeing your dentist regularly also lowers your risk for cavities. It is critical to your oral health and wellness that you schedule and keep regular dental health screenings (oral cancer, dental caries, and gum disease) and teeth cleanings so we can intervene early if there is something wrong.

If you have any questions about oral hygiene or would like to schedule a consultation with your St. Augustine dentist, Dr. Gordon at Gordon Dental Associates, don’t wait; give us a call today at (904) 460-0999.