It is sometimes easy to forget how important teeth are in our everyday lives. The fact remains, however, that without teeth, eating and speaking become very difficult. A lack of teeth also shows in the face, which tends to appear sunken and aged. Therefore, because teeth are so valuable, it is important to ensure their proper care, and to help you do just that your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, has put together a few tips that can help you improve your homecare.
Tips for a Healthy Smile
- Don’t neglect flossing. This tip is by no means a secret, but there are still many people who forego flossing. However, flossing is a very important part of maintaining a healthy mouth. You see, a toothbrush is unable to clean all of the surfaces of our teeth, and the surfaces it cannot reach can serve as a home for damaging bacteria. If these bacteria are not removed, they can create cavities and even result in gum disease.
- Don’t brush too hard. Brushing your teeth too forcefully can actually damage teeth. Too much abrasion can strip the enamel from teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay. Thus, when you brush, use a gentle pressure and opt for thoroughness rather than force to ensure that your teeth are clean.
- Use about 18 inches of dental floss. If you don’t use enough dental floss, you may end up spreading bacteria around your mouth rather than removing it. With the proper length of floss, however, you will be able to use clean sections of the floss continually as you work through your entire mouth.
- Don’t overbrush. Brushing too many times per day can have a similar effect to brushing too forcefully. Thus, stick with brushing the recommended 2-3 times per day.
Schedule a Visit with Your Brighton Dentist
Are you due for a dental cleaning? Contact Brighton Family Dental Group today at (617) 562-5210 to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Brighton dentist, Dr. Villani. We proudly serve patients from Watertown, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Brighton, and the 02135 area.
