Dental Hygiene-the do’s and don’ts

Do…

  • Brush your teeth twice a day! Use a soft-bristled brush with a fluoride tooth paste and be sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth, even the hard to reach places.
  • Floss your teeth every day! Floss removes food trapped between your teeth and the film of bacteria that forms before it turns into plaque.
  • Visit your dentist every 6 months! Regular visits allow your dentist to discover early signs of cavities and gum disease.

Don’t…

  • Forget to replace your toothbrush! Tooth brushes should be replaced every 3 months—or after you recover from being sick. If you have an electric toothbrush, replace the head rather than purchasing a whole new one.
  • Brush too soon after eating! Brushing immediately after eating acidic food can cause tiny particles of enamel to be brushed away. To be safe, wait at least 1 hour.
  • Go overboard with bleaching! Over-bleaching your teeth can make them very sensitive to hot and cold foods, thus causing a variety of other problems.
  • Ignore pain or abnormalities! Toothaches can be a sign of a more serious dental issue. See your dentist as soon as you discover changes in your dental health.