The oral hygiene habits you practice at home form the basis for maintaining healthy mouths. While semiannual visits to the dentist are key for inspecting the results of your efforts, the correct approach to brushing and flossing your teeth can make a difference when it comes to tooth decay and gum disease. Because problems with our teeth can strike at any age, it is important to learn these habits at an early age, so taking the time to teach your kids the importance of oral hygiene is critical as well!
At your Prairie Village, KS, dentist’s office, we are happy to provide tips on your brushing and flossing technique. When you take the time to properly remove bacterial plaque, you prevent the primary source of cavity formation and gum infection.
How Plaque Gathers On The Surface Of Your Teeth
When you brush and floss your teeth, you remove the sticky film of debris that is leftover from the food and drinks you enjoy each day. When you skip your hygiene habits, this film feeds oral bacteria that collect and can build into plaque and tartar deposits. Over time, your oral bacteria produce acidic byproducts as they feed that weaken the strength of your enamel. This buildup can also cause teeth stains, bad breath, and lead to dangerous infections. While your hygienist will remove bacterial accumulation at your six-month checkup, remember that your at-home removal efforts provide daily protection!
Brushing Your Teeth
When selecting a toothbrush, we suggest choosing one that offers soft bristles because they can remove bacteria and plaque while being gentle on your teeth and gums. Children and adults alike benefit from a soft brush to remove plaque without harming your gums. Selecting a toothpaste with fluoride will also help strengthen your enamel through a process called remineralization. This helps teeth that are weakened by decay and can make them resilient to future mineral loss.
Using a circular motion, gently approach your teeth to clean the tops and sides all the way to your gum line. Give yourself a full two minutes to complete the process and ensure that each tooth is fully cleaned.
Remember to Floss!
Your dental floss reaches in between teeth to remove plaque buildup that your toothbrush cannot touch. Make sure to pull your string or pick against the side of each tooth as you go all the way down to the gum. This is key in preventing gum infection from bacteria that collect in pockets between your teeth.
Attend A Dental Checkup With Your Prairie Village, KS Dentist Soon!
We can help you safeguard your smile and discuss your daily oral hygiene habits when you visit our practice for a dental checkup. For more information and to schedule a visit, please contact your Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office at 913-901-8585.
