Oral Hygiene Tips From a General Dentist

A general dentist is the right person to talk to if you are interested in oral hygiene tips. General dentists devote a large portion of their time to performing preventative treatments and educating their patients about good oral hygiene habits.

Taking good care of your teeth and gums is an effective way to keep them healthy. Many dental issues, like tooth decay and gum disease, are caused by factors like poor oral hygiene.

A general dentist shares oral hygiene tips

Ready to have good oral health? Here are a few tips from our cosmetic dentist.

1. Brush twice daily

Brushing teeth with a toothbrush is one of the first things that people think of when it comes to oral hygiene. Oral bacteria convert food particles in the mouth to acids that eat away at teeth enamel. Brushing helps get rid of the food debris that oral bacteria live on and the acids that they produce.

Dentists recommend brushing at least two times daily. Patients should brush right before going to sleep, since it is one of the most vulnerable periods for teeth. Saliva production is reduced during sleep, so acids and food particles hang around longer. Dentists recommend brushing with a toothpaste that contains fluoride for the best results.

2. Floss daily

Flossing is best for the tight spaces between teeth. These spaces cannot be reached with a toothbrush, making them good areas for plaque and food particles to accumulate. Flossing once a day helps keep these areas clean so they do not serve as weak spots for decay to occur.

3. Use an antibacterial mouthwash

Using mouthwash is not completely necessary, but it provides an additional layer of protection. This product helps reduce the bacteria population in the mouth, and it can re-mineralize teeth with fluoride. Mouthwash also helps clean the areas that brushing and flossing miss.

4. Avoid sugary snacks and beverages

Oral bacteria love sugar and convert it into acids that damage teeth. Sugar also has a sticky constituency, so it sticks to teeth surfaces longer than other types of food particles.

Constantly snacking on sweet things or sipping on sweet drinks should be avoided because this leaves those areas coated with sugar for prolonged periods. After consuming a sweet drink or snack, rinse your mouth with water afterward.

5. Go to biannual dental checkups

Visiting a general dentist twice a year gives them the chance to diagnose developing issues and perform treatments as needed. Preventative treatments like teeth cleanings are also done during these checkups.

Take control of your oral hygiene

Want more oral hygiene tips? Give us a call or visit our Stoughton clinic to learn more about taking care of your mouth.

Request an appointment here: https://dentistryonpark.com or call Dentistry on Park, LLC at (781) 443-8131 for an appointment in our Stoughton office.

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