Dental Hygiene Tips for Your October Smile

Because October is celebrated as National Dental Hygiene Month, our dental team at Paul L. Evans, DDS has some tips to share today about how to promote good oral health for yourself and the people you care about.

 

The ADA (American Dental Association) promotes brushing your pearly whites twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You want to pick a toothbrush that has a small to medium head so that it can easily reach the back areas of the mouth.

 

To begin brushing, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and brush gently, cleaning all the tooth surfaces. Remember to brush your tongue as well as your teeth to remove bacteria. This helps to get rid of bacteria and freshens your breath in the process.

 

After you brush, you still need to clean those areas in the mouth that the brush can’t reach. Clean between your teeth once a day, and many choose to do this before bedtime. This will get rid of the bacterial biofilm called plaque, which will harden into tartar if it is not cleared away.

 

Another beneficial step in the cleaning process is rinsing with a non-alcohol containing mouthwash to remove bacterial plaque and fight tooth decay and gum disease.

 

And finally, did you know that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after you eat also fights tooth decay? Indeed, the increased saliva flow created when you chew washes away residual food particles and other oral debris. Not only that, but saliva neutralizes acids which are byproducts of oral bacteria.

 

Our dentist, Dr. Paul L. Evans, is happy to help you achieve a healthier smile in Grass Valley, California. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our dental team, please call today at 530.273.4442.

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