Dentist Provides Oral Health Care Tips to Patients in the South St. Pete, FL, Area

Dentist South St Pete Beach FLA dentist at Florida Dental Centers near South St. Pete, FL, can facilitate the oral care you need to keep your mouth and smile as healthy and beautiful as possible. As every dentist will tell you, brushing and flossing your teeth are important parts of your daily routine and overall oral health care. In general, you should brush at least twice a day and floss once daily at minimum. Additional sessions might be warranted after you consume sweets, sugary beverages, or foods that are high in carbohydrates. To ensure that you get the most benefit from your efforts, though, you need to perform these tasks correctly. With this, your dentist can help.

During your dental appointment at Florida Dental Centers near South St. Pete, Florida, your dentist will provide personalized tips on how to promote good oral health care. In the meantime, here are some general guidelines:

  • Tools – Use a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles, and be sure to replace it when the bristles show signs of wear, or at least every two months. Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and any type of floss you like (your dentist can make recommendations). Some people find floss holders helpful.
  • Brushing technique – Position your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gumline and apply light pressure (just enough to feel the bristles against your gums). Use short, circular scrubbing motions to brush all inner and outer tooth surfaces, as well as your tongue, several times. Be sure to move your brush frequently and brush for at least two full minutes.
  • Flossing technique – Start with about 18 inches of floss. Hold it tightly between both hands and glide it carefully between your teeth using a gentle sawing motion. When you reach your gumline, gently curve the floss in a “C shape” around your tooth. Be sure to floss between all of your teeth, even those situated far back in your mouth.
  • Rinse – After brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth vigorously with water or mouthwash (again, your dentist can make recommendations) to remove any remaining food particles or loosened plaque.
  • Professional cleanings – Every six months, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an exam and professional cleaning.

Even if you’ve been a little lax with your home dental care, it is never too late to start a preventive routine. If you have questions, a dentist at Florida Dental Centers will be pleased to help. Contact us today for further information, or to schedule an appointment to see a dentist at our office near South St. Pete Beach, FL, or one of our other convenient locations. We’ll help you show the world your beautiful smile.