Keeping Up With Your Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene should be an established habit that is not neglected or the teeth and gums may pay the price for it. Brushing the teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time, is needed to effectively remove plaque from teeth surfaces before problems can develop. Each tooth should be brushed completely from all angles, including top, back and front. Do not neglect the back teeth, where many cavities can form. If a small mouth creates a problem in cleaning the back teeth, a smaller toothbrush might be useful. Every three months, a new toothbrush should be purchased. It is also helpful to use a fluoride toothpaste to keep the teeth strong.

Flossing should also be done at least once a day. Food particles can wedge between teeth, but with proper flossing, these particles are removed. The waxed version of floss is easier to use if teeth are crowded and close together.

If gums bleed when the teeth are brushed, and this continues for more than a week, it should be checked out at the dentist’s office to make certain that there is no periodontal disease present. If there is no disease, then the teeth are being brushed too vigorously. A lighter touch may help by preventing injury to sensitive gums.

It is important to make routine visits to the dentist for examinations and cleanings. Eating a beneficial, nutritious diet will play a part in maintaining a healthy condition of both teeth and gums.

Source: Cosmetic Dentist Los Angeles
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