Sciota, Pennsylvania
Do you ever look at the dental aisle at your local retail store and feel completely overwhelmed by all the choices? With so many of them, it’s easy for us to feel like toothbrushes and floss aren’t enough — or like we’re doing our oral hygiene regimen a disservice by not having fancier tools and gadgets.
While it’s true that the dental world has benefitted from tremendous advancements in knowledge and technology in recent years, take notice of what our Sciota family dentist still sends you home with at the end of every dental checkup: a little baggie holding the tried-and-true toothbrush and floss.
Let’s get back to the basics about why a toothbrush and floss are all you need to keep your smile healthy and radiant.
The tried-and-true toothbrush
Brushing your teeth twice a day is your frontline defense against cavities because it removes plaque, a sticky film that coats your teeth. Plaque starts with bacteria in the mouth mixing with food particles and saliva. The bacteria feed off the food debris, especially when it’s from sugary or starchy foods, creating plaque that releases acids. These acids weaken tooth enamel, which can create small holes — a cavity — in the tooth.
A simple toothbrush keeps plaque from building up on the surfaces of your teeth.
Floss
Many people stop short of completing a full oral health regimen when they choose not to floss once daily. A toothbrush is an effective tool for ridding the mouth of harmful food debris and plaque, but there are certain areas of a tooth’s surface — specifically, between the teeth — that the bristles of a toothbrush can’t reach.
We recommend flossing when you brush your teeth at night.
Our family dentist in Sciota has compiled the following tips to help make sure you’re getting the most out of your oral health regimen at home:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your gum tissue and tooth enamel.
- Brush for two minutes, twice a day, using gentle, circular motions.
- Be sure to brush your tongue, too, to remove harmful bacteria that lurk there.
- Use about 18” of floss, wrapping most of that around your fingers and leaving an inch or two to work with.
- Floss gently to protect your gums.
Family dentist in Sciota, PA
You can add mouthwash and cool gadgets like water flossers to your daily oral health regimen, but they are no substitute for a simple toothbrush and strand of floss. Remember to book your twice-a-year, routine checkups and cleanings at our Chestnuthill Dental office. Give us a call at (570) 865-7929, or reach out to us online today.
