Best Dental Habits for a Healthy Smile
October is National Dental Hygiene Month! And at Peace Haven Family Dentistry, we want your teeth shining bright all the time. The best oral hygiene results from a combination of preventative care and regular dental exams. So, here are our three best tips on daily dental hygiene basics so you can show off those pearly whites. Keeping your teeth clean and healthy is as easy as 1-2-3!
- Proper Brushing
The icky truth is that there are billions of bacteria taking up residence in your mouth on a daily basis. Some of these bacteria are good, while other bacteria can build up as plaque, causing tooth decay, or cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. To keep unhealthy bacteria at bay, you’ll need to practice proper brushing at least twice daily.
Brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste helps to remove plaque from your tooth surfaces. We recommend using a soft-bristle brush both in the morning and at night when you go to bed. You may also opt to brush after you eat lunch for added cavity protection. Your tooth should comfortably fit your mouth and allow you to easily reach all teeth, including behind your back teeth. With proper brushing techniques, you’re sure to be smiling all day long.
- Daily Flossing
You may be the most vigilant of tooth brushers. But if you’re not flossing your teeth, then you’re leaving a large portion of your teeth untouched, creating a playground for that harmful bacteria. Cleaning between your teeth with dental floss or interdental cleaners is an essential practice in order to reach all of those places your toothbrush can’t.
For the best dental hygiene, it’s important to make it a habit to floss once every day. Before you go to bed is one of the best times to floss. Take the time to floss before you brush your teeth at night. Flossing dislodges any tiny food particles left behind after chewing. See our recent blog article on Flossing 101 for best tooth flossing techniques. When finished flossing and brushing your teeth, you can also use an oral rinse for added protection.
- Regular Dental Visits
The third step toward your best oral health using dental hygiene basics is to schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist. Planning a visit every six months is a great way to stay on top of any changes in your mouth and prevent further tooth decay and cavities. Your hygienist can also help remove or diminish stains or deposits on your teeth and provide a fluoride treatment.
At Peace Haven Family Dentistry, we are your partner in dental hygiene as well as your overall health. While in our office, we pay attention to more than just your teeth. Your dental hygienist will examine all parts of your mouth: tongue, cheeks, floor of mouth, roof of mouth, gums, and jaw.
In addition to cavities and gum disease, we are also looking for any signs of other oral diseases, including root decay, bone disease, and oral cancer in the mouth or throat. And we will need X-rays from time to time in order to get a better look at what’s going on underneath your gum line. We’ll review the results of any findings during your exam, and we’ll also recommend any treatment plans if you do have a dental issue.
You can always count on Peace Haven Family Dentistry for the best in oral care.
Need help ensuring your kids practice better dental hygiene?
Want to be sure that you are brushing and flossing properly?
Peace Haven Family Dentistry is your partner in Dental Hygiene!
For an appointment, contact us today!
All Aspects of General Dentistry Including: Root Canal Therapy, Dental Extractions, Invisalign, Dental Implants, Tooth Colored Fillings, Same Day CEREC Crowns, Full and Partial Dentures, 3-D CBCT X-rays
My office is located at:
1086 Whitaker Rd.
Winston Salem, NC 27106
336-765-9247
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