Dental hygiene is a critical part of a healthy and happy smile. For many residents of Bethesda, Maryland, Ellen Brodsky, DDS, Andrew Schliep, DDS, and the team at Art and Dentistry are invaluable resources for enhancing and maintaining dental hygiene. Booking a visit takes just moments, call Art and Dentistry today!
Dental hygiene is a term used to refer to the tools and techniques you use to keep your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues healthy and clean. It is an absolute necessity if you want to maintain solid dental health and enjoy a sparkling smile.
Proper brushing and flossing remove plaque, a thin film of sticky material containing bacteria, and the acids that bacteria produce. Plaque can harden into tartar if left in place too long, which requires professional cleaning to remove. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to eat away at your tooth tissue, creating cavities that can intrude deep within your teeth.
Not only is dental hygiene essential for your teeth, but extensive research also shows links between tooth decay and gum disease and a wide range of general health issues. Poor dental hygiene increases your risk of heart disease, hypertension, and many other serious medical problems.
Everyone should brush and floss their teeth daily, but it isn’t enough to simply go through the motions. You need to brush and floss properly, using the right toothbrush and dental floss for your needs.
Brushing too hard or too often can actually damage your teeth and gums. Using a toothbrush with overly firm bristles can wear down your enamel, and using one with overly worn bristles won’t do the job correctly.
You should also make contact with your gum tissue when brushing your teeth. Here again, too much elbow grease is not a good thing and can cause gum damage. Be sure to brush or scrape your tongue, where bacteria can accumulate and thrive.
If you’re uncertain about your at-home dental hygiene routines, just ask your dentist or dental hygienist for a quick review of the proper technique. They’re happy to help you find the right routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong.
You can also ask which toothbrushes are best and whether you should have fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel. Your dentist can guide you toward the right products for your needs and point out areas where you can improve your at-home routine.
Begin a path to renewed dental hygiene today by calling Art and Dentistry today!