Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (76)
- cosmetic dentistry (11)
- bonding (2)
- periodontal disease (2)
- gum disease (15)
- oral health (24)
- osteoporosis (2)
- nightguard (1)
- grinding teeth (1)
- bleeding gums (1)
- dental implants (7)
- tooth decay (7)
- teeth whitening (5)
- crown (1)
- dental injuries (4)
- (1)
- oral hygiene (24)
- clear aligners (1)
- orthodontics (4)
- diabetes (2)
- orthodontic treatment (21)
- tooth extraction (1)
- periodontal surgery (1)
- dental hygiene (1)
- dental erosion (1)
- muscle frenum (1)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- snoring (2)
- sleep apnea (2)
- braces (10)
- tooth grinding (1)
- smile makeover (2)
- pediatric care (1)
- tmj disorders (2)
- tmd (1)
- chipped teeth (2)
- antibiotics (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- dentures (2)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (7)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- nutrition (1)
- porcelain veneers (5)
- crowns (3)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- retainers (4)
- gum recession (4)
- teeth grinding (3)
- mouthguard (1)
- geographic tongue (1)
- dry mouth (2)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- thumb sucking (1)
- fluoride (4)
- pediatric dentistry (13)
- oral cancer (2)
- bad breath (3)
- x-rays (1)
- chipped tooth (4)
- tooth pain (2)
- retainer (1)
- toothbrush (1)
- periodontist (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- gummy smile (1)
- root canal treatment (7)
- mouthguards (3)
- tooth wear (1)
- GERD (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- bonded retainer (1)
- apicoectomy (1)
- dental implant (5)
- bridge (1)
- teething (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- lingual braces (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- sealants (1)
- veneers (1)
- smoking (1)
- extraction (1)
- vaping (1)
- root resorption (1)
Categories:

There are two basic facts about tooth decay: 1) next to the common cold, it’s the world’s most prevalent infectious disease; and 2) with modern dentistry, it’s preventable.
Getting from Fact 1 to Fact 2 requires the daily hygiene habits of brushing and flossing. You probably learned these tasks when you could barely peer over the bathroom sink; but the real question is: are you getting the most benefit from your efforts? It’s not merely doing them, but doing them the right way.
For example, bearing down on your teeth and brushing vigorously isn’t just unhelpful, it’s damaging. Instead, you should hold your brush with perhaps just two fingers at a 45-degree angle relative to your gum line and “gently” scrub with short circular or “wiggly” strokes. Continue this action around each arch brushing all tooth surfaces, which should take about two minutes.
Your toothbrush itself is also important: most people (unless otherwise directed by their dentist) should use a multi-tufted brush with soft bristles. If you brush with the proper pressure it should last 4 to 6 months before replacing it. You should also replace it if the bristles become worn or splayed.
Flossing once a day is important for removing the plaque between teeth your toothbrush bristles can’t reach. The best technique is to form a “C” with the floss that wraps around each tooth and move it up and down gently three or four times until you hear a squeaky clean sound on both sides of the tooth.
The ultimate test of your efforts comes during your regular dental checkups. You can get a check now, though, on how you’re doing by using your tongue to feel your teeth at the gum line. If they feel smooth and slick, you’re probably doing a good job of plaque removal; but if they feel a bit rough and gritty, you’re missing some of the plaque and need to be more thorough when brushing. You can also use floss by running it up and down the tooth surface — if it squeaks, they’re clean!
Your particular dental condition may require specific treatment or the use of other dental products like antibacterial mouthrinses. But learning and practicing proper brushing and flossing is key to keeping teeth and gums healthy and disease-free.
If you would like more information on proper oral hygiene, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.