Each time you visit your local dentist or periodontist you hear this voice in your head wishing that your next appointment will be better – without your gums bleeding excess blood or buildup of tar tar around your tooth because well, that is just embarrassing! And yes, periodontists DO KNOW the reasons behind all your dental activities.
Wishing that your next appointment will be better is easy but it actually having a better dental or periodontal visit needs some improvements in your daily routine.
Floss.
Just using a toothbrush is not enough. Flossing, which you should do before you brush, helps loosen plaque between teeth that your brush would otherwise be unable to reach. The proper way to floss is to wrap 18 inches around your fingers and move it gently in a U-shape between your teeth, using a clean section for each tooth.
Set a timer.
Haphazardly brushing your teeth in the morning before you run out the door to catch your bus might get rid of your morning breath, but it’s not likely to have a meaningful effect on your overall health.
To effectively reach all areas and rid your mouth of cavity-causing bacteria, it is recommended to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day.
Brush softer.
Most people try to scrub their teeth clean with their toothbrush, but doing that does little more than ruin your enamel. Instead, hold your brush softly at a 45-degree angle, and brush in a circular motion.
It’s a myth that harder bristles do a better job.
Buying a softer toothbrush can help save your enamel as well.
Change your toothbrush often.
An old, frayed toothbrush isn’t going to do a great job getting your mouth clean, so be sure to replace your brush whenever you see the bristles start to wear.
Toothbrushes should be changed every three to four months or after you’ve been sick.
Go high-tech.
Electric toothbrushes are a better choice for some people than manual brushes, because they closely resemble the tools dentists use in their office.
Chew gum. It’s not always possible to brush your teeth between meals, so keeping a pack of sugar-free gum on hand can help you ward off cavities.
Saliva has natural antibacterial properties and can help serve as a buffer between the bacteria that causes gum diseases and the bone and tissues around your teeth, since gum-chewing helps to increase saliva flow in the mouth.
Periodontist Tips
David Kao, DDS is an expert periodontist and dental implant specialist for the greater downtown Los Angeles area. Contact us to schedule a consultation today for your overall oral health!
