By Comprehensive Dental Care
December 30, 2016
Category: Oral Health
Tags: Brush   Floss   Mouthwash  

Learn more about keeping your smile healthy from your West Hartford dentists.

Clean teeth are the key to preventing tooth decay. Dr. John Rosenlieb, Dr. Robert Alexander, Dr. Bruce Abel and Dr. Joe Parets--your West Hartford, CT family dentists at Comprehensive Dental Care--share a few tips that will help you keep your smile sparkling clean.

Brush twice a day

If you've ever fallen asleep without brushing your teeth or forgotten to brush your teeth before you left the house, you probably noticed that your teeth felt a little rough when you ran your tongue over them. That rough feeling is caused by plaque, a colorless bacterial film that builds up on teeth. Plaque interacts with the sugars in foods to form strong acids that eat away at your enamel and cause tooth decay. If you skip brushing, plaque has plenty of time to build up on your teeth.

Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential if you want to remove plaque and prevent cavities. Choose a soft bristle brush and spend at least two minutes brushing every surface of your teeth. Be sure to brush your tongue too. If you don't, the bacteria on your tongue can contaminate your freshly cleaned teeth.

Floss to get rid of hidden plaque

Flossing is the only way to remove plaque that forms between teeth. If you don't remove it, cavities can develop between teeth. Floss once per day to keep plaque away.

Use antibacterial mouthwash

Antibacterial mouthwash, often labeled "anti-cavity" mouthwash, offers an important benefit. In addition to freshening your breath, it also kills bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. For maximum protection, don't rinse with water after you spit out the mouthwash.

Choose healthy snacks

Eating snacks that contain sugars or carbohydrates, such as candy, chips or crackers, increases your risk of cavities. Carrots, apples and other crunchy snacks help clean your teeth by removing food debris and plaque.

Make regular professional cleanings a priority

It's not always easy to reach every nook and cranny of your teeth with your toothbrush and floss. Regular dental cleanings remove both plaque and tartar, a hard substance that can cause gum disease.

How long has it been since you had your teeth cleaned? If it's been more than six months, call Dr. Rosenlieb, Dr. Alexander, Dr. Abel and Dr. Parets--your West Hartford, CT family dentists at Comprehensive Dental Care--at (860) 233-7514 to schedule an appointment.