Healthy Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice a day and flossing daily constitute the basics of good oral hygiene, daily care should be supplemented by professional care. Brushing helps to clear particles of food from the teeth, but a brush can't reach in between teeth, which is why flossing is also needed.
When plaque or tartar develops, a dentist or oral hygienist will use special soft metal tools to scrape (scale) the teeth clean without damage. Treatment with fluorides can help keep teeth cavity free.
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- Q What increases the risk of developing plaque and tartar?
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Poor oral hygiene is the main risk factor for developing plaque and tartar on teeth. Since plaque forms continually on teeth, it must be removed on a regular basis to avoid oral disease such as cavities and gum disease, as well as tartar formation.... Full Answer
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- Q What features should I look for in a manual toothbrush?
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The ADA recommends that you select a manual toothbrush that displays the ADA Seal of Acceptance. That's because toothbrushes that have earned the ADA Seal have been thoroughly evaluated for their safety and effectiveness. To qualify for the Seal of... Full Answer
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- Q Should I use a rotating toothbrush?
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The best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day. Brush your teeth twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas... Full Answer
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- Q Why do I need to use dental floss in addition to brushing?
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Flossing is important because it helps remove plaque from between your teeth and around the gum line. Always make sure to floss your teeth at least once a day, making sure to get the areas where the toothbrush can't reach. It's is essential in... Full Answer
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- Q How can I adjust my mouth's pH level?
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A food or drink's pH level indicates how acidic or alkaline (non-acidic) it is. The lower the pH, the more acidic the item. Some research indicates that a diet emphasizing foods and drinks with low pH levels can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel.... Full Answer
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- Q What happens at a dental cleaning?
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A professional dental cleaning, also called a prophylaxis, is an important part of good oral hygiene. That's because only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove plaque, calculus (tartar) and stains from your teeth. These regular dental cleanings can... Full Answer
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- Q When should I brush my teeth?
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Brushing is the cornerstone of any good oral hygiene routine. You should always brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner. Other good... Full Answer
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- Q How does mouthwash help to clean my mouth?
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Mouthwash is a flavored solution that can be used in concert with brushing and flossing to help prevent tooth decay. There are two categories of mouthwash: therapeutic and cosmetic. They can be used for a variety of reasons, including: to freshen breath... Full Answer
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- Q What does mouthwash contain?
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Mouthwashes typically contain ingredients that fight bacteria. These ingredients include zinc gluconate, quaternary ammonium compounds, and cetylpyridinium chloride, as well as essential oils such as eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol.... Full Answer
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- Q What do antimicrobial mouthwash and toothpaste do?
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Antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes reduce the bacterial count and stop bacterial activity in dental plaque, which can cause gingivitis, an early, reversible form of periodontal (gum) disease. American Dental Association (ADA)-accepted... Full Answer
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