at The Oasis Family Dental offer advice on making sure that everyone in the family, not just the kids, are giving ample attention to proper oral hygiene.
Why Do We Brush Our Teeth?
When you take the time to think about why you brush your teeth, it seems almost absurd that you’d ever skip the process. Plaque is a sticky biofilm that adheres to teeth. A combination of food particles and bacteria called Streptococcus mutans, plaque needs to be removed in a timely fashion, or it will harden and turn into tartar. Plaque and tartar, when allowed to stay on the teeth, will lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day will help you avoid cavities, if done properly.
Tips on Proper Toothbrushing
- Build time into your morning and evening routine for five minutes of dedicated oral hygiene time.
- Don’t wait until you’re exhausted to brush your teeth. You are likely to do a much better job if you get it done before you sit down to unwind at night. That way, if you fall asleep while watching your favorite television show, your teeth will remain plaque free all night.
- Invest in an electric toothbrush if you find manual brushing to be monotonous. Some people with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis might even find an electric toothbrush a necessity. Battery operated, vibrating toothbrushes are on the market for as little as $5 now, so the cost doesn’t have to be prohibitive.
- Put a timer in the bathroom or use the stopwatch feature on your cell phone to ensure that you are brushing for two full minutes each time you brush.
Visit your Temecula Dentists
If you need help mastering your dental hygiene routine, we’ll be happy to demonstrate how to properly care for your smile at your next dental appointment at Oasis Family Dental. To reserve an appointment, call (951) 695-2290.
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