At Gallery 57 Dental, our team works closely with patients to help them achieve and maintain their oral health and wellness. One part of preventative dentistry is taking good care of the smile. This includes brushing and flossing properly. While we all brush and floss our teeth each day, are we really doing it correctly?
Taking care of the smile
The two routine parts of caring for your smile daily are brushing and flossing. In order to benefit from cleaning the teeth and gums, it is important that these activities are done correctly.
- Brushing – brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a small amount of toothpaste, typically a little bigger than a pea. Brush the surfaces of the teeth as well as the gum line softly in circular, short strokes. Remember to brush the chewing surfaces of the molars to remove any food particles. Brush the tongue with the toothbrush when you are done to make sure your breath smells fresh and clean, too!
- Flossing – start with approximately 18” of floss and wind it around your fingers. Floss with about 1” of floss in-between your hands, using a gliding motion between teeth. Wrap the floss into a C shape and scrape the sides of the teeth. Repeat with all of the teeth, including those in the back of the mouth. Even if you experience some soreness at first, it is important to get built-up bacteria and food particles out from between the teeth, as they can contribute to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Why routine dental visits are important, too!
Dental visits every six months are recommended for patients of all age. This allows patients to build a trusting relationship with their dental provider, while also giving him the opportunity to evaluate the smile. Our dental hygienists will also clean the teeth and may perform x-rays to monitor oral health beyond where the eyes can see. It is so important for patients to maintain these appointments, as conditions such as tooth decay and periodontal disease which are caught in the earlier stages can be successfully treated before further damage occurs.
Schedule a visit with our staff today!
The team of Gallery 57 Dental encourages patients to book a consultation appointment to learn more about good oral health care habits. With our dedicated staff, patients can enjoy education on caring for their smile. The practice is located in New York, NY at 24 West 57th Street, Ste. 701 and can be reached for an appointment at 212.246.8700. Call today to book your appointment and take the time to educate yourself further on how to take great care of the teeth and gums each and every day!