Simple rules to good oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene requires teamwork between you and your Gainesville, Florida general dentist. On our end, we will see you twice a year to remove surface stains and tartar from your teeth and give you a good foundation with which to work. You play your part by following our oral hygiene instructions to prevent plaque and bacteria from wreaking havoc on your oral health. At Smart Smile Dentistry, patient education is a priority, and we will take all the time necessary to offer oral hygiene instructions at your next appointment.
Basic teeth flossing instructions.
Flossing is a key component of keeping your gums healthy and free of inflammation, and you should do it at least once daily to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth. Take about 18 inches of floss and wrap the ends around your middle fingers, leaving a couple of inches in between. Using your index fingers, gently guide the floss between the teeth and all the way down to the gumline, carefully scraping the edge of each tooth. Switch to a new section of floss when you move on to the next tooth.
Basic teeth brushing instructions.
You should brush a minimum of twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association. Holding your soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, clean all tooth surfaces with small, circular strokes, paying careful attention to the gumline area where plaque frequently collects. Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue, which harbors bacteria and is often the source of halitosis. Your dentist at Smart Smile Dentistry in Gainesville, FL may also recommend that you finish off your oral hygiene regimen with an anti-plaque or anti-cavity mouth rinse.
Smart Smile Dentistry can help you with your total oral hygiene. Contact our dentist, Dr. Samant DDS at Smart Smile Dentistry and in our Gainesville location today at (352) 376-5120 to schedule your appointment.