As the dentist to whom you have entrusted your family’s dental health, Strohman Dental is committed to helping you and everyone in your family enjoy a happy and healthy smile. In addition to the family dentistry Wichita Falls has come to trust, we also provide top-notch, restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments. In conjunction with this, you need to maintain a regular at-home oral hygiene routine. Of course, we all know that twice-daily brushing and flossing is important, but that routine is only as useful as your method of brushing. So, Dr. Shelly Strohman and her team would like to give you some tips to make your at-home oral hygiene routine the best it can be.
First, what does good oral hygiene mean exactly? Good oral hygiene includes:
- Teeth that are clean and free of food remains
- Gums are pink—not red—and do not bleed when you brush or floss
- Your breath is not bad
Keep in mind that if your gums bleed regularly when you brush or floss, or if you consistently have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, then call our office. These may be indicators of a more serious concern, like periodontal disease or some other type of infection.
Proper Brushing
Of course, any brushing is better than no brushing. But how should you be brushing to get the best results? First of all, Dr. Strohman recommends using a toothbrush with soft bristles rather than hard, which can scratch the enamel of your teeth. And despite advertising, an electric toothbrush is not necessary. And despite what manufacturers suggest, you only need to use a pea-size amount of toothpaste. Just be sure to use a toothpaste with fluoride. This mineral draws other minerals to your teeth to strengthen your enamel. With strong enamel you are better able to fight the battle of tooth decay.
Hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum line and brush in small, circular motions. Brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth, using a short back-and-forth motion. Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and maintain fresh breath. A good brushing should take at least two to three minutes. After you brush, don’t forget to floss between your teeth. Flossing removes trapped food particles and sticky plaque.
Schedule an Appointment
For general dentistry Wichita Falls residents can count on for outstanding dental care, call the office of Strohman Dental. Our modern Wichita Falls, TX, office welcomes patients from nearby places including Iowa Park, Burkburnett, Vernon, Henrietta, Holliday, Archer City, and beyond.