At home, you need to take steps to clean your teeth and prevent the factors that could cause the onset of issues like tooth decay and gum disease. In today’s blog, your Richfield, MN, dentist will explain what you can do to brush and floss better, and when to seek out care from our office! After all, this care not only fights decay and periodontal disease, but also brightens teeth and freshens breath.
Brushing Your Teeth Correctly
First, make sure you’re doing this when you wake up and then once more before going to bed each evening. Each session should take at least two minutes, otherwise, you’re not cleaning your teeth properly and you’re still leaving your smile at risk for decay and gingivitis. Make sure whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush, there are soft bristles, as this prevents inadvertent enamel damage if you brush too hard. We also suggest a fluoride toothpaste for all ages. Young children should use a rice-sized bit, and adults need a pea-sized blot. The fluoride helps strengthen the outer enamel. Try to avoid whitening toothpastes, as many contain abrasive agents that do remove stains, but also weaken enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.
Always Floss Every Evening!
Brushing is essential for a healthy smile, but even done properly it’s not enough. You also need to floss every evening before going to bed. Take an 18 to 20inch length of take and wrap each end around your thumb. Then hold it tight with your index finger, and run the tape up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line when you do. This removes trapped particles and is essential for avoiding gum disease. Children can start with a floss pick, and you can use a water flosser as well if you have a preference. Just take time to clean between your teeth each night!
When to See Your Dentist
You should see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning. These visits mean we can identify issues in the earliest stages, before you experience discomfort. We also remove all plaque and tartar with a cleaning, which helps keep smiles free of tooth decay and periodontal issues. If you notice a toothache or bleeding gums in between your visits, then contact our team to schedule a visit. You may have any issues that needs immediate attention! If you have any questions about how our team keeps smiles strong, then contact our team today.
Your Richfield, MN Dentist’s Office Offers Preventive Dental Care
At our Richfield, MN dentist’s office, our team wants to make sure you how to brush and floss each day the right way. To find out more how to keep smiles healthy from home, then please call Cedar West Family Dentistry at (612) 861-7188.
