Tips for Keeping Your Family's Teeth Healthy At Home

When you want healthy teeth, you must consider your oral hygiene. Ultimately, the mouth impacts your overall health. At Byers Station Dental in Chester Springs, PA, we teach our patients optimal oral care tips that allow them to keep their teeth healthy at home. This is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic as a compromised immune system can increase your risk for problems with your teeth and gums. Our team can offer important tips for healthy teeth and gums that aim to help our patients maintain their oral health from the comforts of their own home.

What is preventive dentistry?

Preventive dentistry helps patients in Chester Springs, PA minimize their risk of tooth decay or periodontal decay. This is achieved by learning how to brush your teeth properly and the importance of dental floss. At Byers Station Dental, we approach dental care by creating a healthy mouth that offers our patients’ overall good health. Regular dental exams and dental cleanings keep your teeth and gums healthy.

How to brush your teeth correctly

For the best oral health, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. Remember to replace your toothbrush every few months, after you’ve been sick, or when the bristles look frayed. Always use ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

To brush correctly:

1. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the gumline.

2. Divide your mouth into four quadrants and focus on each section for at least 30 seconds.

The importance of flossing

Unhealthy gums increase your risk of tooth loss and needing a root canal. While brushing at least twice daily is important, brushing alone cannot protect you from developing gum disease. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum recession and tooth loss. The bacteria left in your mouth can end up in your bloodstream. This is one of the reasons why having an efficient at-home oral hygiene routine is essential.

To floss correctly:

1. Hold the floss with most of it around your middle fingers, leaving an inch or two to work on your teeth.

2. Hold it tightly with either your thumbs or index fingers.

3. Place the floss between two teeth while gently gliding it up and down the sides of the tooth.

4. Curve the floss at the base of the tooth to form a C shape. This allows you to enter between the gums and the tooth and remove any leftover plaque or food.

Learn how good oral hygiene gives you healthy teeth

At Byers Station Dental in Chester Springs, PA, our team can teach our patients oral care tips that help them take good care of their teeth and gums from home. By following a good oral hygiene routine, you can maintain your oral hygiene between dental exams and dental cleanings. To schedule an appointment to learn more about oral hygiene, call our professional dental team today.