How Crowns and Bridges Preserve Your Smile and Dental Health: David B. Epstein, DDS & Nikita Vakil, DMD: Dentists

Keep that smile a true sight to see! We all want a clean, healthy smile. Your teeth and mouth are the first things people notice when they look at you. Lots of people become less confident when they aren’t happy with their smile or dental health. Read on for a variety of simple, effective brushing and flossing tips that dental experts such as those at Thornton Dental believe that should be followed regularly. 

As children, it was a common reminder: “Brush your teeth every morning and before you go to bed. And don’t forget to floss!” Upon growing up, the mantra stayed and the habit of brushing and flossing became just that – a simple habit, without much thought. But how is it known that general oral cleaning routines are the best ones for maintaining a healthy mouth?  

Take it Easy On Those Teeth

While it may be thought that “elbow grease” will better remove plaque and polish those pearly whites, brushing too hard can actually damage teeth and gums. Gums are sensitive and tooth enamel is as thin as an eggshell. Scratches on teeth and gum irritation can result from brushing too hard. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and clean teeth with soft and gentle strokes.

Don’t Rush the Brush

We know. There are a million things to do in a day. But is a busy day taking time away from proper brushing? Most Americans brush their teeth for less than a minute. That’s far less time than the recommended 2-minutes needed to brush teeth effectively. A stopwatch can be used if needed to get in the full 2 minutes of brushing and let the amazing staff at the dental practice show you the best ways to brush

Floss Faithfully

Flossing every day is important for removing food particles and plaque in places a toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing also benefits gums and keeps diseases such as gingivitis at bay. For easier cleaning and to better catch debris, waxed floss is recommended.

Toothbrush TLC

Take a good look at your toothbrush. If there are fraying bristles or discoloration, it’s definitely time for a toothbrush turn-over. The American Dental Association recommends changing a toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Use a new toothbrush after getting over a cold, too. Over time, a toothbrush harbors bacteria and germs and becomes less effective at cleaning plaque.