Mouth Health 101

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Getting back into the regular routine of things at the end of summer should include getting back into regular dental routines. Here are some things to review as you get back to basics in your oral health care routines.

Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. While it isn’t the only thing you need to do, it is a very easy foundation for great mouth health. Use a soft-bristled, ADA approved toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Place the toothbrush at a 45* angle to your gums, and brush using gentle pressure and short, back-and-forth strokes. Be sure to brush the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.

Floss your teeth once a day. This should take 2-3 minutes. Be sure to get in between all of your teeth, including behind the last tooth in the row. If conventional floss is difficult, talk to Dr. David Kim for some alternative interdental cleaner options.

Immediately after eating, your teeth can be extra sensitive to any abrasions, so brushing is a bad idea. Instead, try chewing sugar-free gum to help clean teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva flow, which is your body’s first defense against cavities.

Finally, be sure to visit Dr. David Kim regularly. This will allow him to catch problems early. And if you are in the Hanford, California area and feel like you have a toothache or any other dental problem, call Dr. Kim Family Dentistry immediately at 559-585-1519 to schedule your appoint as soon as possible!