This holiday season, consider asking Santa for a healthy smile. You can gift yourself the gift of oral health, and your smile will thank you. Your smile’s enemy is plaque and calculus on your teeth and gumline. This soft, sticky film contains millions of bacteria which can lead to gum disease, loose teeth, and bad breath if it is not removed every day. At River Valley Dental, Dr. Bryce Hanson and our team recommend the following oral care habits for our patients in Shelley, Idaho and the surrounding communities:
Brushing
Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use the right size toothbrush for your mouth, and use the softest bristles you can to do the job to protect tooth enamel and gum tissue. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and use short up-and-down strokes to clean your teeth.
ADA Approved Products
Use ADA-approved products to ensure safety and effectiveness. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or so when your bristles become frayed. If you are prone to gum disease, it may help to use an electric toothbrush with smaller heads to remove plaque. Fluoride toothpaste can strengthen your enamel, and toothpaste for sensitive teeth can reduce tooth sensitivity. If you have children, encourage them to brush by using fun flavors to help establish a healthy cleaning routine. Children’s toothpaste comes in strawberry, bubblegum, and even anti-cavity chocolate.
Flossing
Gum disease afflicts 64.7 million Americans (reported by the CDC), and essentially, it is an infection of gum tissue, which can cause tooth loss if left untreated. Don’t forget to floss at least once a day. Flossing removes plaque and food particles in between the teeth and under the gumline. Whether waxed or unwaxed, flavored or plain, multifilament or monofilament, flossing reaches those areas your toothbrush just can’t.
Okay, so you don’t have to wait for Santa to give yourself the gift of a healthy smile. Take the time this busy holiday season to brush, floss, and use ADA-approved products for your smile. To schedule your next checkup and cleaning, please call 208-357-7611 in Shelley, Idaho today. Dr. Bryce Hanson and our team at River Valley Dental are here to help you with all of your oral care needs!