Many oral health problems are caused by oral bacteria. These bacteria assault teeth each day, forming a clear, sticky film called plaque, which enables them to attach to teeth. It is the goal of homecare to remove plaque so that the bacteria it contains are unable to do lasting damage to teeth. Thus, because homecare is so important, your Brighton dentist, Dr. Thomas Villani, is sharing several homecare tips.
Tips for More Effective Homecare
- Don’t neglect any surfaces of your teeth. When you brush your teeth, it may be a good idea to divide your brushing into several stages. Each of these stages can correspond with one surface of your teeth. For example, the first phase could address the front surface of teeth; the second, the back surface; and the third, the top (biting) surface. By working in stages, you can ensure that you clean your teeth thoroughly and do not neglect any areas of your mouth.
- Brush at least twice per day and floss once per day. Brushing and flossing regularly is very important to maintaining good oral health. As mentioned above, bacteria attach themselves to teeth by forming plaque. However, if plaque is not removed within 48 hours, it will harden into tartar, a substance that cannot easily be removed by a toothbrush and dental floss. Tartar can be removed by a hygienist wielding special dental instruments during a cleaning, but longer tartar is allowed to linger on teeth, the more damage they will sustain. Thus, plaque removal through regular homecare will go a long way toward keeping teeth healthy.
- Don’t brush your teeth too forcefully. Some people believe that by brushing their teeth forcefully, they can rid their teeth of tartar or stubborn plaque. However, if you continue to brush your teeth in this way, you can actually damage them by removing some of your enamel. As the hardest substance in the body, enamel provides a robust defense against bacteria. However, when it is lost, the porous layer beneath it, dentin, is exposed. As dentin is much softer than enamel, it tends to decay more rapidly, and thus brushing forcefully may actually increase the risk of tooth decay.
About Brighton Family Dental Group: Brighton Family Dental Group is located in Brighton MA. Featuring experienced dentists and an excellent range of in-office treatments, Brighton Family Dental Group is a great destination for any member of your family who is in need of dental care. Patients can schedule an appointment or a consultation with Dr. Thomas Villani by calling (617) 562-5210.
