Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?

Woman with toothbrushBad breath, cavities, and gum disease are more likely to occur if your oral hygiene habits are lacking. Our Putnam, CT, dentists, Dr. Stephen Solomon, Dr. Gerald Cohen, and Dr. Jonathan Solomon can explain how good oral hygiene can help you avoid these problems.

Regular brushing prevents plaque attacks

Removing bacteria-laden plaque from your teeth is the easiest and most effective to prevent cavities. Plaque interacts with sugars in foods, forming acids that eat through tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth twice a day reduces plaque, preventing or limiting enamel damage.

Brushing won't be as effective if you just make a quick pass over your teeth with the brush. In fact, a 2009 study published in The Journal of Dental Hygiene discovered that 55 percent more plaque was removed from teeth when study participants brushed for 180 seconds instead of 30 seconds.

Don't forget to remove plaque from between your teeth, too. Flossing teeth daily gets rid of both plaque and food particles, keeping your breath fresher.

Ingredients matter

Does the toothpaste you use contain fluoride? Fluoridated toothpaste can help you avoid cavities, even if acids have begun to damage your enamel. Fluoride remineralizes weak areas of enamel, stopping cavities from forming.

If you use mouthwash, look for products that are alcohol-free. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol can dry your mouth and cause bad breath instead of preventing it. Anti-bacterial or anti-cavity mouthwashes help kill bacteria in your mouth and provide a little extra cavity protection.

The foods you eat can help you avoid cavities

Sugary foods, foods high in carbohydrates, and acidic foods, candies, and beverages all raise your risk of tooth decay. If you enjoy sipping soft drinks throughout the day, even if they're diet, you may increase your cavity risk. Diet sodas may not contain sugar, but they're full of acids that can weaken your tooth enamel. Apples, carrots, and celery are healthy snack choices that help clean your teeth naturally.

Regular dental visits are crucial

It's possible to miss a few spots no matter how carefully you brush and floss, particularly if your teeth overlap a little. When you visit our Putnam office every six months, you'll receive a thorough dental exam and a cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.

Keep your smile in excellent shape with a good oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits. Call our Putnam, CT, dentists, Dr. Stephen Solomon, Dr. Gerald Cohen, and Dr. Jonathan Solomon, at (860) 928-6533 to schedule your appointment.

Dentist serving Putnam, Killingly, Pomfret, Woodstock, Thomspon, and Windham County, CT
Stephen A. Solomon, D.M.D. & Jonathan A. Solomon, D.M.D. 189 Kennedy Dr., Putnam, CT 06260 (860) 928-6533
Dentist in Putnam, CT  Call For Financing Options