May 29, 2013

How To Maintain Healthy Teeth



We hope you care about maintaining healthy teeth.  Maintaining healthy teeth is part of maintaining a healthy smile and contributes to your overall health.  There are some simple steps for you to keep in mind.

Toothbrushing is one of the most important aspects of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.  Toothbrushing is responsible for keeping about 20-25% of your mouth clean.  It is important for cleaning the biting surfaces of your teeth, and the cheek side and tongue side of your teeth.  It is best to use a soft bristle toothbrush when brushing.  The most effective method of toothbrushing is called The Modified Bass Brushing Technique.  The toothbrush bristles are vibrated under the gums (there’s a space between the gums and the teeth), and the toothbrush is held at a 45 degree angle.  It is a very effective method for removing plaque and food particles at the gumline.  For people who have problems with dexterity, an electric toothbrush may be more effective.  A good indication that you need a new toothbrush is when the toothbrush bristles bend or every 2-3 months – whichever comes first.  If you use toothpaste, use a pea sized amount, and brush the biting surfaces first to avoid the abrasiveness of the toothpaste being placed at the gumline of the teeth, where the enamel is thinner.

Brushing twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime is suggested.  Three times a day (or after meals would be ideal, but who lives in an ideal world?!).  If you can’t brush after every meal, swish water in your mouth and then spit it out or swallow it after meals.  If you only brush once daily, do it at night before you go to sleep to get the most benefit because it causes much greater damage to go to sleep without brushing because we are not clearing out anything in our mouths while sleeping and food and bacteria left behind are left to do damage totally undisturbed.

Flossing protects the sides of your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach, and that accounts for the other 75-80% of your mouth that requires cleaning.

The simplicity of maintaining healthy teeth depends on daily brushing and flossing.  The hard part is doing it, so get to work (please)!

For info on other dental topics visit www.TavorminaDentistry.com

8 comments:

  1. I have usually had bad luck keeping my teeth healthy - though I do brush them every night. Are there any other methods to keep them in good shape? Rather then just brushing teeth, flossing, and using some sort of mouthwash? I am going into my dentist in Ontario in a few weeks and don't want to have any cavities.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have been going to the same dentist for awhile now. Now I am hearing about cosmetic dentistry in Hamilton and I'm confused about the difference between that and my dentist? Do they not do the same thing?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for posting this. I have been looking around for a good dentist in Charlotte that I can take my kids to.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great article! I loved reading it; I will return for sure! :)

    David | Dentist Nogales

    ReplyDelete
  5. Before, I really wish to have a healthier teeth and gums then I have tried organic and natural ways but it was never really effective then I go to my dentist at East Harlem dentists and thanks God I have made it. I can now smile so bright with my healthier teeth and gums :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. So nice of you to mention me in your blog. I’m with you on

    the electric toothbrush – I love my SonicCare. It’s so easy to

    use and my teeth even feel clean.
    cosmetic dentist fort pierce fl

    ReplyDelete
  7. So nice of you to mention me in your blog. I’m with you on

    the electric toothbrush – I love my SonicCare. It’s so easy to

    use and my teeth even feel clean.
    dentist port saint lucie fl

    ReplyDelete
  8. If people keep a distance from sugary drinks, like soft drinks, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates etc then they can surely have whiter teeth than others.

    Regards,
    Finn Felton
    Kopi Luwak

    ReplyDelete