“Brush Up” on Oral Hygiene Tips!
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by: James B.
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We all want to smile like we mean it, and be proud of our smile
and white, healthy-appearing teeth. We can do it, too, with some simple steps, such as brushing and flossing for starters:
Twice a day – no exceptions! That’s the ticket for the start of your bright white smile – brush your teeth at least twice daily.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush – one that fits easily into all corners of your mouth. If you have any weakness, arthritis, or other reason for not being able to brush effectively, you may want to consider an electric or battery-operated toothbrush. Fluoride toothpaste is usually recommended – but check first with your dentist.
How you brush is equally important. You need to brush with the toothbrush at a slight angle to your teeth, and brush all surfaces, inside and outside, including the chewing surfaces of your teeth. You need to brush side to side, in short strokes.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too – but no harsh brush strokes – gentle works!
Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if it gets too frayed, or you have been sick. The same goes for the head of an electric or battery-operated toothbrush.
Floss daily! You can’t get to all the crevices in your oral cavity with a toothbrush – this step is fine-tuning the cleaning and important in removing particles and plaque that could cause decay if not removed.
Effective technique starts with wrapping the floss around your middle fingers – about an 15-18” length will do – move the floss between your teeth, going systematically through the upper teeth, then the bottom teeth, moving the floss against both tooth sides from the gum line upward. This will help get rid of dangerous plaque.
There are different products available if you have a hard time drawing the floss through your teeth – waxed flosses, dental picks or floss holders – all of these are capable of getting to those critical spaces between teeth.
Seeing your dentist every 6 months is key to ensuring your own oral care is working for you, and to have your teeth professionally cleaned and inspected as well. The professional cleaning can usually remove any remaining stubborn plaque, and your dentist can inspect your whole oral cavity to ensure any problems are caught quickly, and treated promptly. Early detection of dental problems is vital to that bright sparkling smile! Keep up the good work – and keep smiling!
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Source: “Brush Up” on Oral Hygiene Tips! Dental Associates of West Michigan is more than happy to provide you with that happy and confident smile you desire! For information related to Dentists in Grandville MI, contact us today for a initial consultation at 616-554-5970.
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