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How to Floss

How can I protect my oral health?

To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene every day

 

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day

  • Floss daily

  • Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks

  • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed

  • Schedule regular dental checkups

 

Also, contact us as soon as an oral health problem arises.

Remember, taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.

Dental Cleaning & Exams

How to Brush

Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Normally the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

 

Dr. SeGall has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal concerning tooth brushing. "...patients often have a hard time switching (from a hard brush to soft) because they don't believe a softer brush will clean their teeth as well. They end up doing more harm than good in the interest of being thorough."  That's what happened to a 33 year old patient who visited Dr. SeGall's office complaining of pain on one side of her mouth. X-rays didn't reveal any problems, but after seeing her damaged gums, he asked, "Does your toothbrush look like you sat on it?" The reply was "it did."

 

In addition, certain medications — such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers and diuretics — can reduce saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from microbial invasion or overgrowth that might lead to disease.

 

Studies also suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with periodontitis — a severe form of gum disease — might play a role in some diseases. In addition, certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body's resistance to infection, making oral health problems more severe.

 

 

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