What your dentist in Norcross wants you to know

Have you ever thought about the importance of keeping good oral hygiene habits? The truth is good oral hygiene is the foundation to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life. Dr. Orson Baek at Smart Family Dental Care in Norcross, GA wants to share why and how to keep good oral hygiene habits.

Good oral hygiene reduces and eliminates plaque. That’s important because plaque contains millions of bad bacteria that can produce toxins. These toxins are strong enough to eat through tough tooth enamel, causing a cavity. They are also strong enough to infect soft tissue, causing gum and periodontal disease, and bone, resulting in bone loss and loose teeth.

When you develop good oral hygiene habits, you need to include:

Brushing after each meal and before bed; always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride. It’s helpful to only buy products with the American Dental Association seal of approval on the packaging. That means the products have been rigorously tested and approved for safety and effectiveness. When you brush, use a gentle, circular motion to clean all tooth surfaces and along the gumline.

Flossing daily; use waxed or unwaxed floss depending on your preference. Flossing cleans deep down in between teeth, in places where your toothbrush can’t reach. In fact, cavities and gum and periodontal disease often begin in between teeth; that’s why flossing is critical to saving your smile. When you floss, make sure you wrap around the bulky part of the tooth as you go down in between your teeth. This helps the floss to adhere to the tooth surface.

Every good oral hygiene program includes regular visits to the dentist and the dental hygienist. You should plan on visiting Dr. Baek at least once each year for x-rays and a dental exam. You should also visit your dental hygienist twice each year for professional cleanings.

A beautiful smile is a beautiful thing. Keep your smile beautiful by keeping good oral hygiene habits. For more information about preventive care and other dental services, call Dr. Baek at Smart Family Dental Care in Norcross, GA. Call today and take care of your smile!