How To Choose the Right Toothpaste For Your Mouth
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To ensure your dental health remains its best, you must follow an at-home oral hygiene routine and have regular dental exams and dental cleanings to detect problems early. At Parker West Dental Associates, Dr. Tim Nguyen teaches his patients in Plano, TX some of the best oral hygiene tips to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Although it is important to visit our dental office regularly, it is also essential to know how to prevent tooth pain or the development of tooth decay or gum disease. This starts from home by brushing with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily.
Understanding Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry helps patients in Plano, TX minimize their risk for tooth decay and gum disease. At Parker West Dental Associates, we approach dental care by assisting patients to maintain their oral health, which also helps keep their overall health intact. The benefits of brushing teeth and flossing reduce your risk of developing a variety of health problems, including:
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Type II Diabetes
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Stroke
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Heart disease
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High blood pressure
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Heart attack
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Stroke
Uncontrolled tooth decay or gingivitis can lead to tooth loss, which can also lead to serious health problems.
Tips for choosing the right toothpaste
Dr. Nguyen recommends that you find a toothpaste with at least 1,000 parts per million fluoride that is recommended by the American Dental Association. Ultimately, the best toothpaste is one that cleans your teeth and leaves your mouth feeling fresh. Since the results are often short-term, Parker West Dental Associates does not recommend teeth whitening toothpaste. Dr. Nguyen offers in-office teeth whitening for longer-lasting results, which can whiten your teeth up to several shades after just one visit. If you have sensitive teeth, he can give you a prescription for a tooth sensitivity toothpaste that will make brushing and flossing easier. The best toothpaste is one that leaves you with a healthy mouth free of tooth decay and gum disease.
How to brush correctly
Dr. Nguyen suggests that you brush your teeth at least twice daily with an ADA-accepted toothpaste. Always replace your toothbrush when the bristles begin to fray. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle focused on the gumline. Break up your mouth into four quadrants and gently move the toothbrush back and forth while brushing each section for at least 30 seconds. Brush your tongue too, as it harbors harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
Why it’s important to floss
Unhealthy gums increase your risk of tooth loss and the development of gum disease. While brushing is important, it cannot protect you from gum disease. When gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to gum recession and tooth loss. Bacteria that are left in your mouth can even end up in your bloodstream, causing an infection.
During a visit to Parker West Dental Associates, Dr. Nguyen can teach you how to floss correctly. Hold your floss with the majority of it around both of your middle fingers. Leave about an inch for the teeth that you’re working on. Hold the floss tightly and place it between the two teeth you’re cleaning. Gently glide the floss up and down, rubbing the sides of each of the teeth. Curve your floss at the tooth base to form a C-shape, which allows you to enter the place between the gums and the tooth. This ensures that you remove all bacteria and leftover food particles. Repeat these steps for the rest of your teeth.
Learn how healthy teeth and gums help maintain your oral health
At Parker West Dental Associates in Plano, TX, Dr. Tim Nguyen emphasizes the importance of choosing the right toothpaste and brushing and flossing daily. This oral hygiene routine helps reduce the chance of developing tooth decay or gum disease. Call our office today to schedule an appointment to learn more about oral hygiene.