The habit: Brushing for two minutes twice a day is one of the best habits you can get into. Just make sure you’re not trying too hard. “Brushing with a hard toothbrush, or brushing too hard, can damage teeth and irritate gums,” says Dr. Matthew Messina.
The solution: Use a soft toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance at the proper pressure. “Don’t think ‘scrub.’ Think ‘massage,’” he says. “Save the hard toothbrush for cleaning the grout in the bathroom tile.”
To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
Westside Dentistry
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 581-1511
Westside-Dentistry.com
Keeping your teeth clean, smooth and beautiful...
Proper oral hygiene is your key to a healthy, beautiful smile. Here are our and the American Dental Association's recommendations for at home care:
- Brush 2-3 times every day with a flouride toothpaste (it doesn't matter which brand)
- Floss once a day
- Eat a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, etc)
- Limit consumption of sugary foodsand beverages. Soda drinks can destroy teeth faster than almost anything else
- Eliminate or at least limit use of alchol, chewing tabacco, and cigarettes
We also recommend using an electric high-speed toothbrush in conjuction with a waterpik for your daily at-home oral care.
And don't forget six-month professional cleanings and checkups. The American Dnetal Association recommends checkups every six months for those ages four and older.
Professional cleanings by qualified hygienists will remove bacteria and plaque, which can cause serious dental problems if not kept in check.
If you have not been seen recently call our office for an appointment!
