How good are your oral care habits? Aside from routine visits to your dentists here at Kemlage Family Dentistry in Fenton, MO, Dr. Thomas Kemlage and Dr. Andrew Kemlage, make sure to follow these guidelines:
How Do You Brush Your Teeth?
By this we mean, not just how often, but the actual brushing itself. Ideally, it would be better to brush at least twice daily for around two minutes. This means spending about 30 seconds at every quarter of your mouth. The toothbrush must likewise be angled at about 45 degrees to clean the area between the teeth and gums and avoid damaging your enamel.
As you clean your teeth, do not neglect your tongue. Clean it in a circular motion to remove the bacteria present. Avoid putting too much pressure because it could damage your teeth and irritate the gums, causing more oral problems. A good brushing habit and technique includes knowing when it is time to replace your toothbrush. You cannot expect much cleaning from worn-out bristles anyway.
Do You Floss?
Some people take flossing for granted because they feel that brushing is more than enough. Flossing cleans out the spaces between teeth that are too hard for brushing to reach. It also allows you to clean under the gum line. Proper flossing requires at least 18 inches of floss so you can wrap it around your fingers and get a good grip. Using the thumb and forefingers, move the floss gently with a rubbing motion. Curve the floss against your tooth once you reach the gum line.
When Do You Visit Your Dentist?
ADA recommends that you visit your dentist in Fenton, MO, at least twice a year. This is of course if you are not experiencing some form of oral health problem like:
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Tooth loss
- Consistent bad breath
- Painful chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
At the sign of any of these, you must visit your dentist as soon as possible.
For More Oral Care Tips or If You Have a Dental Emergency, Call Us
Dial (636) 225-1777 to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists, Dr. Thomas Kemlage or Dr. Andrew Kemlage, here at Kemlage Family Dentistry in Fenton, MO.