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.
Recently Answered
- Q Why is it important to prevent plaque and tartar?
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Preventing plaque and tartar is important to keeping your teeth healthy. Food particles and sugar that linger on the teeth become plaque and repeatedly attack the teeth. This can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Brushing teeth twice a day will help keep... Full Answer
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- Q What type of toothpaste or mouthwash should I use?
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There are so many oral care products on the store shelves, how do you decide what’s best for you and your family … favorite brand, lowest price, great flavor, safe and effective? The next time you’re in the store look for the American... Full Answer
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- Q What is the right way to floss?
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Flossing once daily is important to maintaining good overall oral health and will remove decay-causing plaque from between the teeth that toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Here are some tips for flossing correctly: Break off about 18 inches of... Full Answer
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- Q How does flossing work?
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Using dental floss helps to remove the plaque from between your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Daily flossing will decrease your risk of periodontal disease (gum disease) and tooth decay. Failure to remove plaque properly... Full Answer
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- Q Are there different types of dental floss?
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People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to use another kind of interdental cleaner such as special brushes. If you use interdental cleaners, ask your dentist how to use them properly to avoid injuring your gums. Talk to your... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my oral health on a daily basis?
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The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush... Full Answer
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- Q How much dental floss should I use at a time to floss my teeth?
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Flossing is important to maintaining good overall oral health. Floss once daily using about 18 inches of floss. This will help remove decay-causing plaque that toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Full Answer
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- Q Does it matter when I floss?
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The most imporant thing to remember about flossing is to do it! Always floss between your teeth at least once a day to help remove plaque from between the teeth and around the gum line. Sticking with a good brushing and flossing routine, along with... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternatives to flossing?
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Flossing can be time consuming and frustrating, but like anything else, it gets easier with practice. Flossing the old-fashioned way, with a piece of floss between your fingers, is not only effective, it’s cheap. However, if you can’t floss... Full Answer
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- Q Is baking soda a good replacement for toothpaste?
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Baking soda is a great ingredient to be included in toothpaste, but baking soda on its own is not a replacement for toothpaste. To keep your teeth strong and healthy and prevent cavities, you need fluoride, which baking soda does not provide. Most... Full Answer
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