Hygiene

Babies as young as one year should be introduced to good dental hygiene to begin a consistent and effective regimen to last through adulthood. Parents should be using gauze or a small brush on baby teeth as soon as they erupt, and a baby's first dental visit should be around one year (or six months after the first tooth comes in).

Brushing and flossing at least twice a day, along with using an antibacterial mouthwash, is recommended, as well as getting a professional cleaning twice a year to remove stubborn plaque that regular brushing can’t. Plaque and bacteria are the cause of tooth decay, gum disease, and periodontal disease.

Good general health has been linked to good dental health and preserving original adult teeth well into the last stages of life. Preventing dental diseases is the best treatment plan to accomplish this goal.

Keeping your mouth clean and healthy is easier if you have the correct tools. Your toothbrush should fit the size and shape of your mouth. You should be able to reach your back teeth easily, and the bristles should be soft. The toothbrush should be replaced every six months. If you are getting your dental cleaning every six months, you will get a new toothbrush after the cleaning. How easy is that?

Flossing is a very important part of plaque removal, as brushes just cannot reach between the teeth. Flossing isn’t complicated, especially with the floss picks available today. Floss picks provide handles for better maneuvering in the mouth and easier access to the back teeth.

Pine Forest Family Dentistry cares about your dental health. Call today to set up an appointment.