In our Brentwood dental office, you can learn the answer to “How is good oral hygiene practiced?”

When we are just children, we learn that we should brush and floss our teeth if we want to avoid toothaches. The truth is that more goes into oral health than these two daily habits. The smile is also affected by what we eat and drink, and by lifestyle choices such as alcohol and tobacco use. How is good oral hygiene practiced? This question has a straightforward answer that includes details from your Brentwood dentist.

If you want to keep your smile looking and feeling its best, you can count on the team at Brentwood Family Dental to help you accomplish your goals. We provide outstanding dental care and guidance to help our patients maintain their best oral health with excellent home care between dental visits. Though dental care is not complicated, there are details that facilitate the best outcome from daily habits.

Brushing

Teeth should be brushed twice a day, every day. Some people brush after every meal! When brushing teeth, use an up and down motion starting at the gum line rather than side-to-side motion. After all teeth have been brushed, the tongue should be brushed or scraped with a tongue scraper. Brushing all areas of the mouth gently prevents bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.

Flossing

Flossing is a daily habit that is necessary for the elimination of oral bacteria, yet many people skip this step. If you struggle with flossing, speak with your dentist or hygienist. We can suggest different approaches, such as a water irrigator or other tool to make flossing easier and more convenient. Whatever steps need to be taken to ensure flossing is done every day, take them. Flossing is vital to the prevention of gum disease and bad breath.

Professional cleanings

Twice a year cleanings are important for the removal of any built up plaque. Plaque is a colorless, substance that sticks to teeth and gums. If not removed, plaque can harden to tartar, becoming harder to remove. Oral bacteria collect in plaque and pose many long-term threats to oral health.

Oral rinse

Many people incorporate an anti-plaque or fluoride rinse into their daily oral hygiene routine. This optional step can increase protection against cavities and gum disease, and can keep breath fresher longer. It is important to note, however, that the use of an oral rinse does not take the place of brushing or flossing. This would be a third and final step in a well-rounded daily regimen.

Dr. Alkhoury and the Brentwood Family Dental team want to help you keep your teeth healthy and attractive. Contact us to schedule your dental check-up.

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