As providers of family dental care in Cary, Il, we believe every month should be National Dental Hygiene Month! Because this isn’t possible, we want to take October as a chance to emphasize the importance of dental hygiene not only during this month, but year-round. The four facets of dental health that the American Dental Association wants to emphasize this year are brush, floss, rinse and chew.
Proper Brushing & Flossing Technique
Most patients can use a soft-bristled toothbrush unless noted otherwise. Your toothbrush should be placed at a 45-degree angle to your gums and move your toothbrush back and forth in tooth-wide strokes. All surfaces of your teeth need to be brushed, included the inner, outer and top layers. Finally, don’t ignore your tongue! This is a breeding ground for bacteria. Brushing your tongue can help keep your breath fresh as well. You should be brushing your teeth for at least two minutes two times per day.
Flossing can help get rid of bacteria that develops in-between your teeth. It can also prevent bad breath, prevent tartar buildup and help prevent gum disease! You should floss at least once per day.
Rinsing & Chewing
You can rinse your mouth with mouthwash to get rid of biofilm and bacteria that brushing left behind. Rinsing your mouth is a great way to lessen the chance of developing an infection inside of your mouth. Finally, chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after you’ve eaten can help prevent tooth decay and help neutralize the acid that your mouth has produced.
If you’re looking for top-quality family dental care in Cary, Il, make sure that you call us today to schedule an appointment!
