The secret to keeping your teeth for life involves more than one secret. The first is that there is no secret; and in fact, there really is no difficulty involved. Follow this simple four-step process – brush, floss, rinse, and visit our New Bedford, Massachusetts office regularly – and you will have healthy teeth for life!
Brush
You should brush your teeth twice a day, preferably once in the morning and once at night. Three times a day will not hurt. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and light pressure; you do not want to scrub away your gums or tooth enamel.
Brush for a minimum of two minutes, and carefully clean all tooth surfaces. Three minutes is better. Use quality toothpaste; the doctor and our staff can recommend the best type for your needs. Keep your toothbrush clean and replace it about every three months.
Floss
Make flossing part of your daily routine, at least once a day. Flossing is important for more than just removing food particles between your teeth. The process also helps to remove bacteria that you cannot see. Bacterial build-up turns into plaque, or calculus: a cement-like substance that cannot be removed by brushing alone.
Use floss gently; you do not want to cut your gums. There are many different types of flosses and flossing tools. the doctor and our staff will be happy to help you find the style that works best for you.
Rinse
Mouthwash does more than freshen your breath. Rinses help kill the bacteria that lead to plaque formation and gum disease. This extra step can go a long way toward having healthy teeth for life.
Keep your appointments
You should have a professional cleaning at Buttonwood Dental twice a year. Some patients benefit from more frequent cleanings. Your hygienist will remove any plaque build-up to prevent gingivitis, which left untreated becomes full-blown gum disease. Periodontitis leads to tooth loss.
You also need to see the doctor twice a year for a teeth and mouth exam. We can find problems such as cavities, and treat them before the situation becomes critical. Ask our New Bedford, Massachusetts team any questions you have; together we can make your teeth last for life.