Albertville, AL
From electric toothbrushes with built-in timers to fancy-looking water flossers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices of dental gadgets on display in retail stores. But when it comes to the dental tools that are tried-and-true and proven to best clean your teeth and protect you from cavities and gum disease, nothing beats a good old-fashioned toothbrush and dental floss. Let’s get back to basics today with our Albertville family dentist at Wall Street Dentistry explores the reasons why when it comes to oral care, sometimes less is more.
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The toothbrush
To understand why a toothbrush is the cornerstone of a strong oral hygiene routine, it’s important to understand how cavities form:
How does tooth decay begin?
The mouth carries a lot of bacteria, some of which are harmful. These bacteria feed off the sugars and starches we consume, combining with plaque — a sticky film on the teeth — to produce harmful acids. These acids erode tooth enamel, the hard outer coating of the teeth, creating tiny holes or areas of decay. Left untreated, this decay can continue to grow deeper into the tooth, reaching the dentin (the yellow-colored layer under enamel) and potentially the tooth’s inner pulp, which contains sensitive nerves. This can lead to pain, infection and other severe dental problems.
Why is brushing essential?
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day removes food particles that remain from the foods you eat throughout the day. If any plaque has built up on the teeth, brushing will remove it along with the harmful bacteria lingering in the mouth. Brushing, in a nutshell, protects you from cavities, gum disease and bad breath.
Tips for effective brushing:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is gentle on the gums and tooth enamel. Brush in circular motions for at least two minutes at least twice a day — once in the morning and once before bed.
- Use a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA)
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
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Floss
Floss is the unsung hero of oral health, but it’s such an important component. Brushing, while necessary, doesn’t completely clean the teeth. Food particles and plaque linger between the teeth and the gum line, where a toothbrush can’t reach. In these areas, flossing removes harmful buildups of plaque that lead to tartar, a hard substance that can be removed only by a dentist. If ignored, tartar leads to gum inflammation, tooth decay and gum disease.
Tips for effective flossing:
- Floss at least once a day. Our family dentist in Albertville suggests flossing before bedtime.
- Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most around each middle finger, and gently slide it between the teeth, following the curve of each tooth.
- Be gentle to avoid injuring the gums; remember that the goal is to clean, not to cause pain.
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Mouthwash
While not a necessary part of your routine oral care — and certainly not a replacement for brushing and flossing — mouthwash can boost your oral hygiene and dental health. Mouthwash can help reduce bacteria, plaque and the chances of developing gingivitis, the very beginning stage of gum disease. It also freshens breath and can reach areas that brushing and flossing might have missed, providing extra protection against cavities.
Routine dental checkups and cleanings
Even when you have a perfect oral hygiene routine at home, two visits a year to our Albertville general dentistry office are a critically important part of your oral health because professional cleanings remove tartar that at-home care can’t. During an exam, our dentist can also spot any potential problems — cavities, gum disease and even oral cancer — early. Some of these serious dental issues present themselves with no symptoms at first. Early detection is very important to give patients the best chance of preventing bigger, more serious problems down the road.
Family dentist in Albertville, Alabama
The next time you’re confused while staring at a wall of dental gadgets, remember that while it’s okay to explore new, innovative products, the only tools you need for a healthy mouth are a good, old-fashioned toothbrush and floss. Then, make sure you’re scheduling your twice-annual appointments at Wall Street Dentistry. Call us at (256) 400-2783 or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment today.