The Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene
The best way to avoid tooth decay and gum disease is daily maintenance and good hygiene. Brushing and flossing two times per day can save you pain, money, and time in the long run. Unfortunately, many adults do not take the correct measures to protect their teeth and gums. Because plaque forms daily on our teeth, diligently removing it through proper dental hygiene is imperative for oral health. Good hygiene can mean the difference between cavities and infections that lead to tooth decay or extraction and a healthy, bright smile.
The Importance of Flossing
At Country Club Dental, we can’t stress enough to our patients how important flossing is to the overall health of your mouth. Daily flossing helps prevent gum disease, gingivitis, and tooth decay by removing plaque and buildup from between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. When left untreated, plaque can turn to tartar and minute food particles stuck between the teeth can begin to rot and affect the enamel, leading to decay. In addition to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, flossing gives your teeth a polished, clean look. Regular use of dental floss is a key component to achieving a sparkling smile.
How to Floss
Break off a strand of floss anywhere from 18 to 24-inches in length and wrap it around your index and middle fingers on each hand, so you’re holding it horizontally. Bend the floss into a “C shape” and gently guide it in between two teeth. Move it back and forth and up and down against the sides of the teeth. Repeat this motion for all of the spaces in between teeth. After you’re done, thoroughly rinse your mouth to get rid of any plaque and particles that were loosened during the process.
The Importance of Brushing
After you eat, the bacteria in your mouth will break down the leftover sugar from your food down into acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Without daily maintenance, tooth decay and gum disease are inevitable. Luckily, we live in a time when information about proper oral hygiene is easily attainable and toothbrushes and toothpaste can be found at any local store. Brushing your teeth removes plaque, tartar, and food buildup from the outer surfaces and crevices. Using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice daily is a leading way to severe decay that can lead to tooth loss or excessive dental procedures.
How to Brush
At Country Club Dental, we recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Spend 30 seconds brushing each quadrant inside of your mouth for optimal results and ideal oral health. First, wet the brush and place a pea-sized dollop of your favorite toothpaste on it. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle when brushing the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth and use circular motions, being sure to also brush the gums. When brushing chewing surfaces, specifically the tops of your back molars, hold the brush flat and use a back and forth motion.
Professional Cleaning
You’ve done your job at keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy, and now it’s our turn to do our part. Scheduling routine appointments to the dentist's office for professional cleanings is imperative because they help remove excess tartar that brushing and flossing can miss. It’s also a good idea to have a professional take a peek in your mouth to check for signs of disease and decay. Give Country Club Dental a call today so we can schedule your consultation and cleaning.
