Nicholas J. Hurley, D.D.S., P.A., a family dentist based in Thomasville, NC, believes good oral hygiene begins by educating patients on basic dental care. As everyone knows, a healthy smile depends on regular examinations and periodic cleanings. However, dental care is something that extends well beyond appointments to the family dentist. It encompasses the habits you do on a daily basis to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth as healthy as possible between visits to the dentist.

Regular brushing is vital to helping your smile look its best and keeping your teeth healthy. The American Dental Association recommends brushing at least two or three times daily, especially following meals. 

Use a gentle circular motion at a 45-degree angle, making sure you brush the inner, outer, and biting surfaces of each tooth, as well as the spaces between your teeth. This will help dislodge food particles and harmful bacteria, which secrete acids that will erode enamel and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. 

You should use an ADA-approved soft-bristle brush and a fluoride-based toothpaste. In addition, make sure to replace your brush before the bristles wear down (typically once every three to four months). You should also brush your tongue to freshen your breath and remove oral bacteria. After you are done brushing, make sure to thoroughly rinse your brush to eliminate any residual bacteria.

Daily flossing is also an essential part of oral hygiene. It helps dislodge food trapped between teeth, reducing plaque buildup that promotes gum disease. Cut an 18-inch section of floss and wrap the ends around the middle fingers of each hand so that you leave about an inch or two of floss in between. Then, pull the floss tightly, insert it in the spaces between the teeth, and use a gentle up-down motion to clean each tooth’s side, including the surface above the gum line. 

Making wise dietary choices is another aspect of basic dental care.  Apples, celery, and other fiber-rich fruits and vegetables are sometimes known as “dental detergents” because chewing them helps remove food. They also stimulate saliva production that counteracts bacteria and plaque buildup. Likewise, citrus-rich fruits like strawberries are good for gum health and the consumption of green tea has been linked to lower rates of periodontal disease.

Good dental habits begin at home. But to keep your teeth looking and feeling great, you need a family dentist who can deliver the specialized care and services — including X-rays, fillings, and regular cleanings — that everyone needs. To learn more about keeping your pearly whites clean and healthy, call Nicholas J. Hurley D.D.S., P.A. at (336) 476-1109 or visit him online.