We all have bacteria living in our mouth. The sugars, carbohydrates, and acids from the foods we eat and beverages we drink allow bacteria to grow turning into plaque, a substance that starts out sticky but hardens on teeth especially at the gum line.
Plaque buildup can lead to dental decay and/or gum disease. That is why a visit to the dentist to have plaque removed every six months is so important. Vigilant brushing and flossing can help limit plaque, but only your dental provider can properly remove it once it has hardened.
It is important that your daily brushing and flossing are done consistently, for the correct duration, and with the best tools available. You should brush at least twice every day for two minutes each time. An electronic toothbrush provides a great assist here as most have some type of alert when you’ve completed two minutes of brushing.
In addition to the timer, an electronic toothbrush is a great tool to get teeth as clean as possible without applying too much pressure, a mistake many make with a manual toothbrush that can lead to worn enamel and premature gum erosion.
Flossing should be done to remove what your toothbrush may have missed. In addition to reaching in between teeth, when performed properly, flossing provides a wonderful stimulation for gum tissue. There are many types of floss available to make this daily task as easy as possible.
A diet rich with nutritious foods will prove beneficial for healthy teeth and gums. Limit sugary beverages and treats to special occasions; drink lots of water daily; get sufficient sleep; and in addition to daily brushing and flossing, visit your dentist every six months.
Those semi-annual dental visits will be used to clean teeth and allow your dentist to catch a potential problem early and make the needed correction. If it’s time to schedule your next appointment, contact Howl Dental at 918-749-1626 today.