Dental Operating Manual
by Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D.
Read Dental Operating Manual by Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D. to learn more about Grove Smiles® Dentistry and our Dentistry office in Coconut Grove, FL.
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Learning to ride a bike and swim are outstanding achievements, but mastering skills comes from repetition and developing the skills into muscle memory and habits. Likewise, brushing our teeth well is a good habit that we should learn to do from a very early age. But be conscious that with our over-busy lifestyles, this good habit could easily fall into a routine of bad habits that can be detrimental to our teeth and oral health if we’re not careful!
A Dental Guide
Developing proper brushing techniques and sticking to them is crucial to the health and appearance of your family’s smiles. So take a moment to brush up on your teeth brushing skills with the “Shoulds” and “Should Nots” of brushing your teeth properly.
The “Shoulds”
Protect Your Gums from Receding
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and refrain from aggressive brushing. Brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush or using excessive force while brushing can slowly cause gums to recede, exposing the tooth’s root and leading to sensitivity. Not fun!
Wait Before Brushing Directly After Meals
Wait at least 30 minutes after you’ve eaten to brush your teeth. When you eat, bacteria produce acid that temporarily weakens the enamel.
Brushing directly after eating, especially after eating acidic foods, can damage the enamel as it is in a weakened state. After eating, it is best to rinse your mouth out with water or chew sugarless gum to increase saliva production. These measures will help to wash away bacteria without damaging your teeth!
Remember to Clean Your Entire Mouth
Make sure to brush your entire mouth, especially your tongue! Did you know 90 percent of bad breath is due to a dirty tongue? So make sure to brush your tongue thoroughly or use a tongue scraper.
Gold Star the Importance of Visiting Your Dentist
No matter how well you brush, biannual visits to your dentist are imperative to keeping your smile radiant and healthy! It is a fact that professional cleanings and checkups are the easiest way to avoid dental problems in the future.
The “Should Nots”
Don’t Forget To Use The Proper Technique.
Use the proper technique by tilting the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line and brushing using small circles. This method is the most gentle and effective way to remove plaque!
Don’t Race.
Proper brushing should take at least two minutes! To ensure you brush for the right amount of time, use a stopwatch or listen to your favorite song while brushing. When deciding how much time to spend brushing your teeth, the important thing to remember is that it’s not about a prescribed amount of time; it’s about thoroughly cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth.
Don’t Forget Brushing is An Essential Part of your Daily Routine.
Avoid Midnight Snacking!
Sleeping directly after eating raises your risk for cavities significantly.
Set a Schedule To Replace Your Toothbrush.
The ADA recommends buying a new toothbrush every three to four months. This is because, over time, the toothbrush’s bristles wear down and become less effective at removing plaque and bacteria. It is also important to swap out your toothbrush after being sick. Otherwise, the germs from your illness may reinfect you.
Healthcare For The Whole Family
At Grove Smiles Dentistry in Coconut Grove, FL, our team specializes in total family dental healthcare. It focuses on providing the most up-to-date treatments to create healthy and resilient smiles. In addition to helping your smile look and feel its best, we’re committed to helping you achieve and maintain your overall health.
For Your Health,
Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D.
