Did you know that 48% of young adults have untagged themselves from a photo on Facebook because of their smile?
By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can feel confident and comfortable with your smile. Although stained teeth usually pose little harm to your overall oral health, they can still make you feel self-conscious. Regular cleanings can remove most stains, while more stubborn discoloration may require professional treatment.
Healthy mouth cleanings, deep cleanings, and periodontal maintenance are some of the treatments your dentist may recommend based on your individual oral health condition. Many patients also struggle with bad breath, which is often caused by plaque buildup — a common symptom of gum disease and tooth decay.
At Smilodon Dental, we treat every patient as an individual and create personalized treatment plans to fit each patient’s needs.
Tips on Maintaining Oral Hygiene
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
- Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Avoid sugary drinks and snacks.
- Rinse your mouth with water after meals.
- Wear a mouthguard while playing contact sports.
- Do not smoke, as it can lead to gum disease and oral cancer.
- Use a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings at least twice a year.
Are You Brushing Correctly?
There are many ways to brush your teeth — some more effective than others. One commonly taught method is the Modified Bass Technique.
The Modified Bass Technique is often recommended for patients with limited gum recession or dexterity concerns. The toothbrush is positioned at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline, allowing the bristles to gently clean the pockets surrounding the teeth.
What About Timing?
The American Dental Association recommends brushing for a full two minutes. Since this can feel longer than expected, try singing “Happy Birthday” three times in your head while brushing.
You can also purchase an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer to help make brushing easier and more effective.
Don’t Forget to Floss!
Proper flossing removes plaque and bacteria not only from between the teeth, but also from beneath the gumline — what dental professionals call the subgingival area.
The type of floss you use also matters. Some flosses are designed for tighter spaces between teeth, such as Glide by Oral-B, while others, like Coco Floss, work better for wider spacing.
Instead of simply moving the floss up and down, gently wrap the floss around the side of each tooth to clean more effectively.
What Kind of Toothpaste Should I Use?
Great question! The best toothpaste depends on your specific oral health needs.
Before recommending a toothpaste, we first evaluate your current oral health condition.
Do you have sensitive teeth? Swollen gums? Dental restorations or false teeth? During your routine cleaning and checkup, we can recommend the toothpaste that is best suited for you.
Having oral health issues? Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your routine care and hygiene visit.
To learn more about maintaining a healthy mouth, as well as dental implants and other services, visit your local Nashville dentist at Smilodon Dental!
