The baseball field is practically electric under the lights. It’s October, so the pressure is on to make the big plays and get those important wins. The pitcher nods to his catcher and rockets the ball at the batter. Instinctively, the batter twists his hips and thrusts his shoulder into the swing, sending a hard ground call. The shortstop expertly picks up the ball and throws it to first base in one fluid motion. The ball sails into nothing as there is no one covering first base, and the runner confidently rounds to second. Much like baseball, dentistry is a bit of a team sport. The dentist does a lot for you and your teeth, but they also rely on their team of dental hygienists to make it happen. October is also National Dental Hygiene Month, which is meant to celebrate hygienists everywhere. In that spirit, here are a few tips from Dr. Friedman, your dentist in Scripps Ranch, to help keep your teeth clean this season, and all the seasons to come.
1. The Basics of Brushing
You’re actually an important member of the team too. Your oral care really starts with your home routine, and that usually begins with brushing. You probably think you know how to brush your teeth by now, but did you know most adults are brushing their teeth incorrectly? Here are a few details people often miss:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Brush 2 minutes each time
- Brush the front, back, and sides of each tooth
- Use a gentle circling motion
- Brush your tongue
You should brush your teeth in the morning as well as right before you go to bed. This helps breakup the buildup of plaque and bacteria on your teeth that can cause tooth decay. Most people do not brush their teeth long enough, so be sure to set some kind of timer if you are not using an electric toothbrush. People often mindlessly brush, which is how they can often miss large areas in their mouth. Take extra care to make sure you are brushing all of your teeth, especially every side of your back teeth. A gentle circling motion with the brush breaks up plaque better than simply scrubbing back and forth. You can also help give yourself fresh breath by remembering to brush your tongue. The food particles left there are a big factor in what your breath smells like.
2. Frequent Flossing
Yes, you need to floss every time you brush. It doesn’t matter what order you do them in, just as long as you always do both. Flossing can clean your teeth in areas your brush can’t reach. Here are some flossing essentials:
- Use 12-18 inches of floss every time
- Wrap the ends around your fingers
- Be sure to floss between every tooth
- Be gentle
Once again, be sure to be thorough when you are flossing. You should even floss behind your back teeth because plaque and bacteria can build up there as well. Be sure to not use too much force when flossing. It shouldn’t require a lot of effort to move the floss between your teeth.
3. Don’t Forget Us!
The final part of a complete oral hygiene regimen is regular check-ups and cleanings from your children’s dentist in Scripps Ranch. These cleanings are able to reach areas on your teeth that you simply cannot at home. It also gives Dr. Friedman a chance to catch any dental issues you might have early. This cannot only help your teeth, but your overall health as well. Conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease have been shown to be associated with gum disease, so early detection and treatment could have a great impact on your health.
Want to know more about how you can keep your teeth clean and healthy? Be sure to give us a call today. We’re more than happy to give you more tips and answer any of your questions.