Almost every dentist in North Lauderdale will have posters on their walls reminding you to brush and floss daily. Why do you think so? Your mouth is teeming with bacteria that feed on the sugars present in your food and drinks.
If you don’t brush your teeth, inevitably they will form a biofilm called plaque. This plaque will compromise the integrity of your enamel, causing cavities. And it doesn’t end there. The bacteria in plaque will release toxins that can irritate and inflame your gum tissues leading to gingivitis. These oral health problems can be prevented if you stick to an oral care routine. Here’s what you need to do to keep your smile beautiful and healthy.
There’s a proper way to brush your teeth to keep plaque away. Your toothbrush should fit your mouth–not too big and not too small. The bristles should also be soft so that they won’t hurt your teeth and gums. Angle your toothbrush approximately 45-degrees against the gums. Move it back and forth using gentle strokes. Make sure you follow the ideal brushing time, which is two minutes twice a day.
Additionally, don’t forget to brush your tongue for fresh breath! If you are still unsure, ask your dentist in North Lauderdale to show you the proper way to brush your teeth.
Besides brushing, proper hygiene tells you to floss daily. Cut approximately 18 inches of dental floss and twirl the thread around your middle fingers. Hold it tightly between your forefingers and thumbs and move the floss gently between each tooth to remove food debris.
Once the floss reaches your gum line, curve it slightly into a C-shape and slide it in the space found between your tooth and gum. Again, if you’re not sure ask your dentist to demonstrate the process. If you floss to hard, you risk damaging your tooth’s root.
Do you want to partner with a trusted dentist to keep your oral health in great shape? At TLC Dental & Orthodontics, we strive to enhance your oral health by providing you with superior quality dental care. Call us today for an appointment or visit our website to learn more about our services.