Whenever you go in for your routine dental appointment, your dentist usually gives you lots of advice about maintaining healthy teeth. It’s easy enough to dismiss this advice, to wonder: does my dentist really follow all these dental hygiene guidelines themselves? The fact is that most of what your dentist advises you about—from regularly brushing teeth to foods to avoid—is important if you want to continue to have healthy teeth. And, yes, your dentist does employ these techniques in their own dental hygiene practices.
Below are some of the most important dental dos and don’ts that dentists swear by:
1. Brush Regularly and Correctly. Everyone knows the importance of brushing your teeth at least twice a day, but it won’t do you much good if you’re not doing it properly. First, make sure you have the right toothbrush; whether you go with a manual or electric toothbrush, check to make sure the brush has soft bristles so you don’t damage your gums. When it comes to brushing teeth, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and move the bristles in a circular motion.
2. Floss Daily. Using dental floss at least once a day is essential to preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar and maintaining healthy teeth. Even the best toothbrush can’t get to every spot where plaque accumulates so it is necessary to supplement your brushing regimen with flossing.
3. Don’t Smoke or Eat Too Many Sugary Foods. In addition to posing other health risks, smoking and eating sugary foods are also bad for your dental hygiene. Smoking increases the risk of developing gum disease and can lead to bad breath and tooth discoloration. The sugar on sweet foods helps attract bacteria that produce enamel-eating acids and wear away at your teeth. Starchy foods may also be bad for your dental health.
4. Avoid Late Night Snacking. When you get out of bed for a late-night nibble, it can be tempting to go to sleep without brushing and flossing again. Not doing so will allow the bacteria in your mouth to damage your teeth and gums while you sleep.
5. Visit Your Dentist for Regular Teeth Cleanings. Even with the best dental hygiene practices in the world, you can’t entirely prevent the buildup of plaque on your teeth by yourself. That’s why it’s so important to go twice a year to your dentist for regular cleanings. With their specialized tools and techniques, the dental staff will remove all the plaque that you can’t reach.
Begin your journey to excellent dental hygiene today. At Temple Family Dentistry, we provide best-in-class dental services throughout the Temple, Pennsylvania area. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or appointment.
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Temple Family Dentistry has been delivering dazzling smiles for many years, and is here to provide personalized care for your dental needs. Schedule an appointment or contact Dr. Dan DeRosa for a tooth whitening consultation today.