If asked, most people would claim that they’re pretty diligent about keeping up with their dental hygiene routines. Many of them may not even realize that “forgetting” to brush and floss once in a while, or just passing the brush over their teeth a couple of times, does not, in fact, constitute good dental hygiene practices. Considering the fact that 90% of adults in America have been affected by permanent tooth decay, and 80% have some degree of gum disease, it’s safe to assume that some hygiene routines have plenty of room for improvement. To help you preserve the health and integrity of your smile, your San Jose dentist, Dr. LaFrom, offers some advice on how to maximize your dental hygiene routine.
How Much Do You Know About Teeth Brushing?
Did you know that there’s a right and wrong way to brush your teeth? The point is to brush food debris and dental plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, but if you brush too hard, you may scrub off your teeth’s enamel (the protective layer surrounding your teeth). Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval, and brush gently. Also, take care to brush every surface of every tooth, and floss carefully between every tooth. Dental diseases only require a small amount of plaque to develop, and your diligence can make the difference between a healthy and a diseased smile.
What’s the Deal with Toothpaste?
Ever wonder what makes toothpaste effective? Its ingredients, of course. Most toothpaste brands include fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel, and abrasive agents that help scrub bacterial plaque and food particles from your teeth. For optimal results, try allowing your toothpaste to sit for a minute or two before rinsing it off; the brief moment will allow the fluoride more time to bind to your tooth enamel. For people with frequent cavities, we may recommend either a toothpaste containing BAKING SODA or XYLITOL. Both of these can raise the pH of your saliva and assist in preventing cavity formation.
Is Mouthwash Necessary?
In most cases, mouthwash isn’t exactly necessary. However, the rinse can help fight oral bacteria in places where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach, and therapeutic mouthwash can fight the bacteria responsible for tooth decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. Ask Dr. LaFrom if you should incorporate mouthwash into your dental hygiene routine, or take your pick from the shelf of your local grocery store or pharmacy. If you have crowded teeth, braces, bridges or dental implants, a good mouthwash can greatly assist in cleansing those tight to get areas that a toothbrush alone may not be able to access.
Learn More About Good Dental Hygiene with Your San Jose Dentist
To learn more about improving your dental hygiene, schedule a dental consultation with your San Jose dentist by calling LaFrom Dentistry at (408) 996-8595. Located in the 95014 area, we proudly serve patients from San Jose, Saratoga, Campbell, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Santa Clara County, Silicon Valley, and the surrounding communities.
