Seeking general dentistry help is vital for good oral health. You should visit the dentist at least every six months for checkups. These trips to the dentist’s office allow for diagnoses, treatments, and preventive measures. But you also need to commit to good oral hygiene at home every day. Brushing and flossing are the most effective ways of reducing your risks of having tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues. If you are struggling in these areas, your dentist can help.
From the time a person starts getting teeth, brushing and flossing are critical habits to develop. Brushing removes sugars and starches from teeth that eat away at and erode the enamel layer. This prevents the acids from these particles from forming holes in the teeth. Flossing dislodges bacteria from in between teeth and at the gumline. This keeps the sticky film known as plaque from building up. Without flossing, the plaque will harden and turn into tartar, which can lead to gum disease.
Occasional brushing and flossing before an appointment at the general dentistry office are not enough to maintain good health. For the right results, patients should brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Dentists encourage people to brush after meals and before bedtime. Flossing at the end of the day is wise too, as this keeps food particles from sitting on the gumline overnight.
People should make sure to use a quality toothpaste when brushing. The dentist can recommend a good product. The toothpaste should contain fluoride. This will be more effective at fighting cavities and preventing decay from occurring.
Spending a few seconds brushing and flossing is preferable to not doing these things at all. But a quick run through the mouth will not produce the results a person needs to have good oral health. When brushing, individuals should spend about two minutes. The person needs to brush both sides of every tooth in the mouth.
When it comes to flossing, a similar approach is crucial. Sliding the floss in between teeth too fast will not dislodge all the food and debris. Plan on flossing for about five to 10 minutes. Make sure to reach the back molars as well.
General dentistry appointments are important because the dentist can show the patient how to brush and floss. Brushing too hard can lead to gum recession. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and gently move the brush back and forth, covering the entire tooth. For flossing, the person should use about 18 inches of floss and thread it between the tooth, forming the letter “C” around the tooth. Do not floss too vigorously.
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If you are struggling with tooth decay and gum disease, there are a few possible reasons why. Chances are good that you are not brushing and flossing well enough. Following these tips can improve your oral health. If you need further advice, visit your dentist today.
Request an appointment or call Bagnall Family Dentistry at 978-655-2005 for an appointment in our Andover office.
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