Oral Hygiene Tips

Date: 16th May 2024

One of the most common conversations we have with our patients here at Sunshine Dental in Bonham, Texas, is about their oral hygiene. When you visit our family dental office, we can offer you unique guidance based on your oral health and overall well-being because every patient has different needs. However, we can discuss some oral hygiene tips that any patient can benefit from here in this article.

It should go without saying that brushing and flossing your teeth is a requirement for optimal oral hygiene. The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends that you brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. The type of toothbrush you decide to use is a matter of preference, but typically a soft bristle brush is ideal. Firmer bristle brushes can cause damage to delicate oral tissues if not used properly, so a softer bristle brush is often a better choice. Electric or battery-powered toothbrushes are also a great choice if you are looking for a tool to help you get the job done.

Taking your time with brushing and using the proper brushing technique is what gets your teeth sparkling clean! Set a timer for two minutes, and pay special attention to the area where the tooth meets the gums. Place the brush half on the tooth, and half on the gums, angle the brush towards the gums, and move the brush in gentle circular motions, covering all the surfaces of the teeth-outside, inside, and the chewing surfaces. Work in a pattern every time you brush so you don’t miss any areas of the mouth.

There are many types of toothpaste one can select that freshen, whiten, and protect your teeth. The best one for you is based on your personal preferences and oral health goals. A good place to start is looking for fluoridated toothpaste with the ADA seal of approval on it. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen our teeth and bones and is very helpful in preventing cavities.

Another critical addition to your oral home care routine is flossing. The ADA recommends that we floss at least once a day. Flossing cleans the area of the teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach-in between the teeth where the teeth touch. If one doesn’t floss, there will be a section of the tooth that never gets cleaned!

Not surprisingly, the area in between the teeth is one of the most common places adult cavities form. Most patients find flossing to be time-consuming and uncomfortable. A common complaint from patients is that their gums bleed during flossing. Seeing blood when you floss is common when inflammation is present due to the presence of bacteria. The good news is, the more often you floss, the faster you can complete it, and the bleeding will stop because you are removing the bacteria causing the inflammation.

Some individuals may have difficulty with using dental floss due to physical constraints of their hands. Our caring family dental team here in Bonham, Texas is ready to help you find a solution when you come to visit! Many oral hygiene aids can assist you in keeping this area clean. We will help introduce you to them.

Good oral hygiene and home care strategies are the cornerstone of dental wellness and prevention. Call our office today to set up an appointment for more dental health advice with our caring and attentive clinical staff!

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