Your Dentist in Palos Verdes Discusses Tips for Better Oral Hygiene

Just because the year is more than half over doesn’t mean that you can’t make a resolution. We even have a suggestion for you—resolve to make oral hygiene and health a goal for you and your family. There are several things you can do to help everyone accomplish this goal, and of course we are here to help! Read on to learn about what your dentist in Palos Verdes recommends.

Brush and Floss Like a Pro!

You’ve been brushing and flossing your teeth for years, but are you really doing the best job possible? Just by making a small change in your daily oral hygiene care can make a big difference in how well you brush and floss.

First, make sure your toothbrush has soft bristles. A brush with hard bristles is more likely to scratch the enamel surface of your teeth. And be sure to change out your brush every three to four months or when the bristles start to look worn.

Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and brush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth and gums. Brush for two minutes and then floss. An oral rinse is a refreshing way to conclude your hygiene care.

Help Children Brush and Floss, Too

Brushing and flossing should begin as soon as your son or daughter has teeth. Use a small child-size brush and just water until children are old enough to rinse and spit. When they are about three, you can begin using fluoride toothpaste in their favorite flavor. Until your child is seven or eight years old, you should be the one brushing his or her teeth. After that, they can brush on their own with your supervision.

Eat for Your Oral Health

A healthy diet not only ensures overall well being, but also helps to ensure the strength and beauty of your smile. Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that scrub your teeth and stimulate the flow of saliva, you mouth’s natural cleaning fluid. Cheeses, yogurt, and mild ensure that you are getting enough calcium in your diet, which helps build strong teeth and bones.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

The American Dental Association recommends that everyone have at least two dental checkups per year. At these visits, your family dentist in Palos Verdes carefully examines the condition of your teeth and gums, looking for the early warning signs of problems such as decay, gum disease or a crack in one of your teeth. Children that are more than two years old need to see the dentist, as well.

Contact Our Office Today

There’s still plenty of 2017 left to schedule those all-important dental checkups for your family. Call Blue Coast Dental today for an appointment!