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Oral Hygiene
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right daily habits, you can prevent most dental problems before they start.
Following proper brushing, flossing, and oral care techniques makes a lasting difference for your smile and overall health.
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Why Does Oral Hygiene Matter?
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Adults lose more teeth to gum disease than to tooth decay, while children are more prone to cavities due to developing enamel and dietary habits. The most effective way to lower that risk is to practice oral hygiene every day.
Plaque, a colorless film that forms along the gumline, is the main culprit behind both gum disease and tooth decay. By removing plaque through consistent brushing and flossing, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing serious oral health issues.
How Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Brushing effectively means targeting every surface of your teeth and gums to remove plaque:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle where the teeth and gums meet.
- Gently move the brush in small, circular strokes on the outer surfaces of the teeth.
- Use light pressure to clean between teeth, avoiding any discomfort.
- Clean the inside surfaces of your back teeth using the same technique.
- For the front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use short, gentle strokes.
- Brush the chewing surfaces with back-and-forth motions.
- Check your progress in the mirror to ensure every surface is cleaned.
- Rinse thoroughly when finished to clear away loosened plaque.
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How Do You Floss Properly?
Flossing reaches the areas your toothbrush can’t, removing plaque and preventing gum disease when done consistently:
- Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping most around one middle finger and the rest around the other.
- For upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
- Gently guide the floss between teeth with a back-and-forth motion—never snap it.
- Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and move it up and down to clean both sides.
- Repeat for all teeth, including the back molars.
- For lower teeth, guide the floss with your forefingers.
- Switch to a clean section of floss as you go.
- Rinse your mouth well when done.
- Mild bleeding at first is normal; gums should strengthen and bleeding should stop with daily practice.
What Should You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
It’s common to experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold after certain dental treatments. This usually improves when the mouth is kept clean.
If sensitivity persists, your dentist may recommend a medicated toothpaste or rinse designed to protect sensitive teeth.
Which Oral Hygiene Products Work Best?
- Electric toothbrushes: Safe, effective, and often easier to use than manual brushes.
- Oral irrigators (water flossers): Helpful for rinsing, but not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
- Rubber tips and interproximal brushes: Useful for gum massage and cleaning between teeth, but should be used properly to avoid irritation.
- Fluoride toothpaste and rinses: Can reduce tooth decay by up to 40% when paired with daily cleaning (not for children under six).
- Tartar-control toothpaste: Helps above the gumline, though gum disease begins below it.
- Anti-plaque rinses (ADA-approved): May help manage early gum disease when used with brushing and flossing.
Why Schedule a Professional Dental Cleaning?
Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits, plaque can harden into calculus that only a professional cleaning can remove. Regular visits allow your dental team to protect your gums, remove buildup, and keep your smile healthy.
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