Here’s a fun game: raise your hand if you spend a considerable amount of time thinking about how to improve your home oral care habits. We know; most North Tonawanda residents don’t really think about it. However, we at North Tonawanda Family Dentistry live to spread the word about dental hygiene, so here are some tips that Dr. Pavneet Sachdeva recommends for a healthier, happier smile.
- Floss, floss, floss!
The average person should use about 120 yards of floss per year. However, floss sales per person work out to only 18 yards. That means the majority of Americans are not flossing enough. Dr. Pavneet Sachdeva talks about flossing for a good reason: neglecting to floss can leave up to 40% of your tooth’s surface open to plaque attacks. Bacteria growing around and beneath the gum line can cause tooth decay and contribute to gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss. The solution is simple: floss before you brush, at least once a day.
- Brush every area of your teeth.
This one sounds like a no-brainer, right? The truth is, North Tonawanda residents can’t see exactly where their toothbrushes go. Unless we make a conscious effort to brush everywhere, it’s likely that at least one spot is being overlooked. The least brushed areas are the inside of your bottom front teeth. Therefore, these areas are particularly vulnerable to dental caries, or tooth decay. Make sure to brush every surface of your teeth- including fronts, backs, edges, corners, and gum line.
- Brush for at least two minutes, twice a day.
How often do you time your brushing? Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends North Tonawanda residents brush their teeth for at least two minutes? Some electric toothbrushes have timers built it, but there are plenty of alternatives. Try playing a song that’s 2-3 minutes long every time you brush, or use an hourglass. Don’t be afraid to get creative.
- Change your toothbrush often
Toothbrushes are not meant to be used for more than a few months. If you can’t remember the last time you bought a new toothbrush, you probably need a new toothbrush. If you’re uncertain about the condition of your toothbrush, check the bristles for signs of wear. Also, make sure to change toothbrushes every time you get sick.
- No pain no gain, right? Not when it comes to dental hygiene.
Proper brushing and flossing should not hurt. If you are experiencing pain during the course of your dental hygiene routine, you are not doing it properly. The same goes for bleeding: it is not normal to bleed while flossing and brushing. After all, how would you feel if a different part of your body bled every time you touched it? If you are experiencing lots of pain or bleeding during your oral hygiene routine, make sure to give Dr. Pavneet Sachdeva a call.
If you ever need tips on taking care of your teeth, or would like some professional instruction, feel free to call us at North Tonawanda Family Dentistry. We love helping North Tonawanda residents keep their pearly whites in tip-top shape!
Sources
http://dentaldude.blogspot.com/