At-Home Tips To Keep Your Family's Teeth Healthy

When you want healthy teeth, your oral hygiene is imperative to your success. Your mouth can impact your overall health, so learning how to brush your teeth and floss properly affects it directly. At Advanced Dentistry of Centre County in State College, PA, we teach our patients oral care tips that allow them to keep their teeth healthy from their homes. During a visit to our dental office, we can offer helpful tips for healthy teeth and gums that aim to help our patients maintain their oral health with family dentistry. Regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings, in combination with an efficient at-home oral hygiene routine, help ensure that your teeth stay healthy.

What is family dentistry?

At Advanced Dentistry of Centre County, we offer family dentistry where all members of your family can be treated. This makes it more convenient to schedule regular visits to maintain your oral health and your family members too. We approach dental care by creating a healthy mouth that promotes overall good health in State College, PA. We offer pediatric dentistry for children and can identify oral concerns at an early age. Whether dental cleanings or sealants, we pride ourselves on helping young patients learn how to take care of their teeth to keep tooth decay at bay.

How to brush your teeth correctly

For optimal oral health, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. Always replace your toothbrush every few months, after you’ve been sick, or when the bristles are frayed. Only use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste to brush. Start by placing your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the gumline. Divide your mouth into four quadrants and focus on each section for at least 30 seconds for plaque removal.

The importance of flossing

Unhealthy gums increase tooth loss risk. While brushing at least twice daily is important, brushing alone cannot protect someone from developing gum disease. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to gaps in a smile, receding gums, or a deteriorated jawbone. An efficient at-home oral hygiene routine can help maintain oral health from home.

To floss correctly:

1. Hold the floss with most of it around your middle fingers, leaving an inch or two to work on your teeth.

2. Keep the floss tight around the thumbs or index fingers.

3. Place the floss between two teeth while gliding it up and down the sides of the tooth gently. Focus on curving the floss to form a C shape.

Ultimately, following this flossing routine allows you to remove leftover plaque or food particles efficiently.

Learn oral care tips for healthy teeth

At Advanced Dentistry of Centre County in State College, PA, our team teaches patients oral care tips that help them take care of their teeth and gums from home. By following a good oral hygiene routine, you can maintain your oral hygiene in between your annual dental exam and biannual dental cleaning. To schedule an appointment to learn more about oral hygiene, call our family dentistry practice today.