While office visits are very important, to keep your smile bright and healthy you also need to care for your teeth and gums at home. However, infrequent care, or improper brushing and flossing habits, could mean your smile is at risk of developing tooth decay or even gum disease. In today’s blog, your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist will look at how to properly care for your smile!

The Dangers of Infrequent Brushing and Flossing

When we don’t clean our teeth daily, or if we do so improperly, then we leave particles from our foods and drinks stuck on and between the teeth, or lodged in the gum line. Over time, bacteria will break down these small particles, using them to increase oral acidity and to coat the teeth in a sticky layer known as plaque. The buildup will grow more severe with time, and could harden into tartar. Plaque buildup is linked not only to bad breath and stained teeth, but an increased risk of cavities and gum disease due to enamel erosion and gum inflammation. However, proper brushing and flossing helps reduce how much can accumulate until your next cleaning appointment allows us to remove all buildup completely!

Brushing Your Teeth

You should do this when you wake up and again before going to bed, with each session taking at least two minutes. Be sure you use a toothbrush, whether electric or manual, with soft bristles, as this prevents enamel damage if you brush too hard. Approach your teeth at a 45-degree angle to reach the tops and sides, and move the toothbrush in a circular motion to clean the front facing sides. Make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride, as this naturally-occurring mineral helps strengthen outer tooth enamel.

Flossing Properly

Even more vital than using your toothbrush, is putting your floss tape to proper use! People of all ages need to floss every evening before bed, moving the tape up and down each side of every tooth, and moving below the gum line to extract any trapped particles. You can use a pick or tape, or even a water flosser, just as long as you take time to properly clean your smile. This action alone is crucial for avoiding gingivitis and gum disease! If you have any questions, then feel free to contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Caring for Your Smile?

A preventive approach to smile care could help your smile stay strong, healthy, and beautiful! For more information on improving your oral health from home, then please schedule a consultation by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA today at 818-347-5124. We also proudly welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all surrounding communities.