(305) 597-2227
It has been said that oral health is the gateway to a person’s overall health. This is why at Smiles at Doral, we highly encourage our patients to make their oral health a priority. We believe that achieving optimal oral health is a goal that you and your dentist should work together to pursue.
With that in mind, we have drawn up a list of useful tips for maintaining the health of your teeth and practicing good oral hygiene from our very own, Dr. Belkis Del Puerto. Read on.
· Follow the 2/2 rule when brushing your teeth.
A good rule of thumb when brushing your teeth is doing it 2/2: brush for two minutes, twice a day. You can do it in the morning and before you go to bed at night.
· Don’t forget to floss.
Make flossing a part of your dental hygiene. Among its other benefits, it removes plaque and food particles that are stuck in between your teeth, especially those that the bristles of your toothbrush can’t reach.
· Clean your tongue.
You must have heard time and time again how brushing and flossing your teeth are essential to good oral health. However, cleaning your tongue is just as important, especially since a lot of bacteria thrive on there as well.
No matter how thoroughly you brush and floss your teeth, bacteria that build up on your tongue can still make their way to your teeth and gums. Cleaning your tongue helps you prevent potential dental problems, such as tooth decay and periodontal disease.
You can clean your tongue using your toothbrush, but ideally, using a tongue scraper is highly recommended. Tongue scrapers are more effective at removing food particles—which cause bacteria buildup—from the tongue’s surface.
· Practice proper brushing techniques.
Employing proper brushing techniques prevents the formation of tartar and plaque that cause gum diseases and cavities.
Apply just the right amount of toothpaste: experts suggest putting a pea-sized amount. Then proceed with brushing your teeth in a gentle, circular motion. Make sure to clean the inner, outer, and chewing sides of your teeth.
· Get a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Dental experts highly recommend soft-bristle toothbrushes. Using hard-bristle ones, especially when you have a habit of overzealously brushing your teeth, can erode your tooth enamel and hurt your gums. Get a soft-bristle toothbrush that has multiple layers to make sure you perfectly clean your teeth without harming them.
· Replace your toothbrush regularly.
Experts recommend replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or as soon as you notice that the bristles are starting to wear out. This is to ensure that the bristles are still effective and to prevent the accumulation of bacteria in between them.
· See your dentist regularly.
Dental experts recommend dental visits every six months. This is because dental problems occur gradually. The timeframe allows your dentist to catch them early before they become serious.
Putting off a visit to your dentist can lead to serious dental problems, especially when you have an existing one. Don’t think an aching jaw or tooth infection can just go away on its own. Leaving oral problems untreated can also wreak havoc on your overall health.
· Break unhealthy habits.
Studies show that unhealthy habits such as nail-biting, alcohol consumption, and smoking, are linked to an increased likelihood of developing oral diseases. It’s understandably not easy to break a bad habit, but it can get easier if you replace it with a healthy one.
Excellent Dental Care in Doral, FL
Dr. Belkis del Puerto has been helping the people in Doral and its neighboring areas achieve healthy, beautiful smiles since 1995. She is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care and the best patient experience in all facets of dentistry: general, restorative, family, cosmetic, and preventive. With Dr. Del Puerto’s expertise, passion, compassionate approach, and state-of-the-art equipment and procedures, you can rest assured that you will be in good hands.
But don’t just take our word for it. See the results for yourself. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Del Puerto by calling us at (305) 597-2227 or by filling out our online form to request an appointment.
