A SIMPLE GUIDE TO DAILY DENTAL HYGIENE
Maintaining good dental hygiene is the key to preventive dental care. A dentist recommends that patients of all ages schedule a professional teeth cleaning and exam twice per year. During your exam, your dentist in Naples will check to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. Early detection of cavities and gum disease is essential to maintaining the best oral health. Keep reading to learn how you can practice good daily dental hygiene habits at home by brushing your teeth, flossing each night, and scheduling regular cleanings.
Brush Twice Daily
A dentist advises all patients to brush teeth twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush. For superior oral health benefits, dentists suggest using an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes work more quickly to remove plaque build-up from tooth enamel. If you are using a traditional toothbrush, make sure to place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums. Brush all outer and inner tooth surfaces, as well as the chewing surfaces of teeth. You should also brush your tongue by using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
Floss Each Night
In family dentistry, flossing is just as important as brushing for maintaining good dental hygiene. A dentist suggests flossing each night before bed with an ADA-approved dental floss. Simply wind about 18 inches of floss around each index finger and move the floss gently up and down between the teeth. Make sure you floss all the way down to the gumline, as plaque build-up along the gums can eventually cause gingivitis. Hold the floss tightly against each tooth to make sure you are removing any food particles.
Schedule Regular Cleanings
Bi-annual professional teeth cleanings are the final step in maintaining your oral health. Once plaque begins to calcify into tartar, only a dentist can use professional tools to remove this damaging substance. Plaque and tartar cause tooth decay and gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can develop into periodontal disease, which causes painful and bleeding gums.
