Ten Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

The mouth is the gateway to the body, and keeping your teeth and gums clean and disease free is the first step in maintaining overall health. Here are 10 tips to get you on your way.

1. Use a timer and brush for at least a full two minutes.

2. Use a floss aid. Flossing without one is difficult and often results in people avoiding it altogether.

3. Brush your teeth at the same times every day. If brushing becomes a habit, you won’t forget to do so.

4. Brush in the same pattern every time. Like No. 3 above, brushing in the same manner will make you less likely to miss a spot.

5. Avoid sports drinks. Their sugar content is just as tough on teeth as soda.

6. Use mouth wash for 30 seconds. Any longer is unnecessary to kill the bacteria in your mouth.

7. Don’t brush too hard. Brushing harder won’t help remove more plaque. It may even abrade your enamel and cause damage to your gums.

8. Use toothpaste bearing the ADA seal. By choosing an ADA-approved product, you can be sure it has been thoroughly tested to be safe and effective.

9. Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing sugar-free gum after eating can help reduce the amount of acid in the mouth and dislodge particles on and between the teeth.

10. Ask your dentist or hygienist for personalized suggestions. Don’t be afraid to ask for personal hygiene recommendations to make taking care of your oral health more productive.

For questions about dentures, dental implants, periodontal disease or general dentistry, call the Ferber Dental Group a 561-439-8888 or visit http://www.ferberdental.com.