Could Your Hygiene Routine Use Some Guidance?


Could Your Hygiene Routine Use Some Guidance?

By Wright Smiles

Good dental hygiene is an ongoing endeavor, and while brushing and flossing your teeth is the main tenet of good hygiene, keeping your smile healthy may be a bit more involved. The purpose of your daily dental hygiene is to prevent the onset of destructive dental diseases, which are typically the result of excessive dental plaque and the oral bacteria it contains. Today, Dr. Wright and Dr. Heron explain how you can improve your hygiene’s effectiveness with a few short tips.

Better Hygiene Away from the Sink

Don’t forget to floss

Brushing your teeth is essential to remove food debris and bacterial plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. However, brushing is largely ineffective without flossing to remove these substances from the crevices between your teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once, preferably before bedtime.

Use fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride is a mineral that has been proven to strengthen your tooth enamel—the strong protective layer around your teeth. When certain oral bacteria consume sugar and other carbs, they produce acid that depletes your teeth of minerals and weakens your enamel, rendering it useless against harmful bacterial. Using fluoride toothpaste can help strengthen this layer against acid attacks and reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and cavities.

Eat sugar modestly

Most people know by now that eating too much sugar can increase your risk of cavities. Limit your snacking habits to reduce the amount of acid that oral bacteria produce and inhibit your teeth’s exposure. If you can’t brush your teeth after eating, try rinsing your mouth with water to wash away the bacterial acid and food debris.

Take advantage of your dentist

Your dentist plays an essential role in more than just treating cavities and gum disease; with regular visits to Dr. Wright and Dr. Heron’s office, you can allow the doctors to closely inspect your mouth for signs that trouble is brewing. Our talented dental professionals can also thoroughly clean your teeth of bacteria, plaque, and tartar (calcified plaque) to reduce your risk of developing dental trouble.

ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE GENERAL DENTISTS:

As a native Texan, Dr. Gregory Wright opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.