Monday, April 2, 2018

Tips for At-Home Healthcare


Prevention is a person’s ultimate defense against the development of oral health concerns. By keeping dental issues from occurring, you also protect your overall well-being. Mark T. Ngo, DMD, helps patients maintain the aesthetic and condition of their teeth and gums, by providing tips for an effective dental care routine.

Dr. Ngo offers the following advice to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.

Fundamentals to Oral Hygiene

Your toothbrush is your biggest asset when it comes to removing bacteria and cleansing the surfaces of teeth. It is in your smile’s best interest that you choose a brush with soft bristles to reach all the nooks and crannies of your teeth. A brush with hard bristles can scrub your teeth too forcefully and damage the enamel. Toothbrushes with soft bristles are also more effective in removing the bacteria between the gaps of teeth.

There is More to the Basics

While many people are aware about the importance of brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, it is just as essential to your oral health that you handle your toothbrush in the correct manner. It is commonly believed that you should hold your toothbrush parallel to the gums. This is actually false universal method. You should position your brush at a 45-degree angle to make sure you remove the bacteria on the surface of your teeth. Also, dentists recommend for you to brush in short, gentle strokes to cleanse away harmful microbes and prevent the spread of decay.

When it comes to flossing, use an 18 to 22 inch piece of floss, wrapping each tooth and scraping up to clear stubborn food particles. Be sure to use a clean section of floss between every tooth. For people with difficulty maneuvering dental floss, interdental cleaners are available and work just as well.

Chew Away Food Debris

Sugarless gum with an ADA seal has some benefits for your dental health. The gum is sugarless so it does not contribute the production of bacteria. When you chew the gum, it dislodges the food particles left behind on the surface of your teeth. Food debris can increase the rate at which tooth decay spreads, so having it as a snack between brushings keeps your smile healthy.

Water to Hydrate and Wisk Away Microbes

It is well-known that you should drink lots of water on a daily basis, but consuming H2O washes away leftover microbes. In addition to its hydration benefits, most tap water contains fluoride which strengthens tooth enamel and prevents the development of cavities.

If you would like to know more about how to keep your smile healthy and beautiful, contact our Pyuallup, WA dentist today! Dr. Ngo wants his patients to take every step possible to protect teeth and gums by having an effective oral hygiene routine.