Why You Should Do More than Just Brush Your Teeth

Nobody likes to hear that they’re not doing enough, but if your oral hygiene routine consists only of brushing your teeth (even twice a day), then that is exactly what your dentist will tell you. Brushing your teeth is essential to your daily oral hygiene routine, but only when accompanied by flossing your teeth and visiting your dentist as often as recommended. To help you understand why keeping your mouth clean requires more than brushing, we explore the reasons behind maintaining good dental hygiene.

Controlling Plaque, and What It Contains

Oral health issues, like tooth decay and gum disease, typically begin the accumulation of bacteria. Your mouth contains 600 identifiable kinds of bacteria, and when they gather, these germs form dental plaque, which sticks to your teeth’s surfaces. True to the adage that there is strength in numbers, when enough oral bacteria gather, your oral health becomes seriously threatened. Good hygiene helps prevent these issues by clearing your mouth of plaque, preventing the bacteria from gaining strength and inhibiting the risk to your oral health.

Proactive Protection Against Dental Issues

A healthy adult mouth contains 32 individual teeth, each one uniquely shaped and secured by your gum tissue (the actual roots of your teeth are embedded in your jawbone, underneath your gum tissue). While brushing your teeth thoroughly cleans the visible and accessible surfaces of your teeth, your toothbrush cannot reach between them. If allowed to remain for more than 48 hours, dental plaque calcifies, hardening into an insoluble substance called tartar that can no longer be removed with your toothbrush. Flossing your teeth at least once a day, preferably before bedtime, is the most efficient way to remove bacterial plaque and food debris from the tight spaces between your teeth.

ABOUT YOUR DALLAS, TX, FAMILY DENTISTS:

Dr. Tran, Dr. Hoang, and the friendly, welcoming staff at Gentle Smiles will do everything possible to make you feel at home. Contact us today by calling 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE) to experience our compassionate, effective, and individualized care. We proudly serve patients from Dallas, TX, and all surrounding communities, including Mesquite, Balch Springs, Garland, and Seagoville.