When we take proper care of our smiles, we help protect them from common oral health issues, including tooth decay and gum disease. In order to safeguard the smile and avoid the need for extensive treatments, you need to practice good oral hygiene. In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss what our Brighton, MA, patients can do to enjoy good oral hygiene!
Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth
When you take care of your smile from home, you provide routine maintenance to protect teeth and gums alike from serious oral health issues. We suggest brushing your teeth for two minutes each session, once in the morning and again before going to bed. You can use an electric or manual toothbrush, just as long as you select one with soft bristles and use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Flossing should happen every night before bed, to remove the bits of food stuck between teeth that a toothbrush’s bristles may not be able to. You can use floss tape, picks, or even a waterflosser, as long as you take time to clean between each of your teeth.
Checkups and Cleanings
Routine brushing and flossing help remove food particles and reduce the severity of plaque buildup, which forms when bacteria break down food particles. However, the only way to completely remove plaque is to have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months. The procedure involves the use of a manual tool and an ultrasonic scaler to remove all plaque from the teeth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The procedure only takes a few minutes, but helps you enjoy better oral health, brighter teeth, and fresher breath. Our team will also perform a checkup, in which we examine your smile with advanced technology to uncover signs of trouble and treat oral health concerns in the early stages.
Watching for Changes in Your Smile
As part of your homecare, you should watch for any sudden changes to your smile. If you have a toothache or persistent tooth sensitivity, then let us know, as this could point to tooth decay or infection. If your gums feel sore, look red, or bleed easily, particularly when brushing and flossing, then contact our team right away, as this could indicate gingivitis or gum disease. If you have any questions, then please contact our team today.
Do You Want to Learn More About Good Dental Hygiene?
At Brighton Family Dental Group, we want to help you maintain optimal oral health and preserve your natural teeth. You can schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Villani or Dr. Kondrat by reaching out to our office at (617) 562-5210. We are proud to offer a range of dental services to patients from Brookline, Newton, and all neighboring communities.
