Are Your Oral Hygiene Habits Up to Par?

If you want healthy teeth and gums you have to put in the right effort.oral hygiene

Are you wondering what you can do to prevent cavities and gum disease from happening to you? These common problems can be completely prevented with the optimal dental care. If you aren’t sure if your habits are helping or hurting your smile, our Clifton, NJ, cosmetic dentist, Dr. Toan Bui, will provide you with the answers you’re looking for.

Brushing is Critical

Do you brush at least twice day? Are you brushing for at least two to three minutes each time? If you said yes then you are certainly doing your part to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Of course, how you brush is as important (if not more important) than how often you brush. Here are some tips to follow to make sure you are giving your teeth a thorough at-home clean:

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride, which will strengthen teeth enamel and prevent decay.
  • When you brush remember to brush all surfaces of your teeth. This includes the front, back and chewing surfaces.
  • Turn your toothbrush vertically in order to properly brush the back surface of your teeth.
  • Don’t forget that bacteria can also linger on the tongue and cause bad breath. This is why it’s also a good idea to brush your tongue if you want fresher breath.
  • Replace your toothbrush once the bristles begin to fray and look worn, as old bristles can actually scratch and wear away enamel.

Flossing Should be a Consistent Habit

While most people know the importance of brushing many people ignore the power of flossing. Sure, our Clifton dentist understands that flossing isn’t the most fun habit to perform every day but it’s the only way to remove plaque and food from between teeth and prevent decay in these areas. Your toothbrush won’t be able to get into these areas and clean as thoroughly as floss can. Here are some rules when it comes to flossing:

  • Make sure to floss once a day. While you can floss anytime you want, it’s ideal to floss before brushing your teeth prior to bedtime. This ensures that food and plaque are removed from between teeth so toothpaste can also get into these areas more easily and provide a more thorough clean after flossing.
  • Be generous when it comes to how much floss you use. Use at least 18 inches and wind it around your fingers to get a firm grasp of it.
  • Be gentle when guiding the floss between teeth and the gums and when removing the floss.
  • Use a new, clean section of floss for each tooth.

Do you have questions about the dental services we offer? Is it time for your six-month dental cleaning? If so, turn to Transcendental in Clifton, NJ, today for all of your smile needs.

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