Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?

Tooth decay and gum problems are something that should never be taken lightly. Aside from the accompanying pain, these can also cause other health problems and affect your self-confidence. Luckily, oral health problems are largely preventable with the right practices, including routine visits to one of our dentists here at Hudson Family Dental PC in Hudson, MA, Dr. Michael Gigliotti or Dr. Jared Gittleman. The question is, how good are your oral care practices?

Signs That You Have Good Oral Hygiene

  • You do not experience bleeding gums when brushing or flossing properly.
  • Your gums have a pinkish color.
  • Your breath smells fresh most of the time.
  • Your teeth have that smooth feeling.
  • Your teeth are not sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks.
  • Your tongue is moist, firm, and pink.
  • You have strong teeth that do not hamper the way you eat or speak.
  • You don’t have any visible signs or symptoms of gum disease.
  • You don’t have stained, chipped, or cracked teeth.
  • You have a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

Proper Oral Care

If you haven’t checked off on all the signs of good oral hygiene, then you may need to do more. What can you do to improve your oral care practices? Focus on the basics.

Brushing

There is a right way and a wrong way to brush your teeth. Here’s a refresher on the right way to brush your teeth:

  • The bristles should be at an angle of 45-degrees to the gums.
  • Short, gentle, back and forth strokes should be used tooth-wide.
  • Move the toothbrush over all tooth surfaces especially on the chewing surfaces
  • The inside surfaces of the front teeth can be cleaned with an up-and-down motion.
  • Remove the bacteria from your tongue by brushing it as well.

Flossing

This cleans out whatever brushing has not picked off. Proper flossing involves:

  • Using an 18-inch floss so you can wind it around your middle fingers and guide it between your teeth.
  • Gently moving between your teeth using a rubbing motion.
  • At the gum line follow the curve of the tooth and slide the floss gently between the tooth and gums.
  • Cleaning the sides of the tooth using a gentle up and down motion.

Dental Visits

You should visit your dentist in Hudson, MA, at least twice a year. Why do you have to visit frequently?

  • Hardened tartar and plaque can only be removed professionally.
  • A proper examination can be done to identify signs of cavities and gum disease.
  • Regular visits prevent cavities and tooth decay.
  • Your dentist can help improve your oral care practices for optimum health.

Taking all of these into account will give you a good idea of whether your current oral care practices are good.

For Help with Your Oral Hygiene or a Dental Emergency, Call Us

Dial (978) 562-2782 to get in touch with Hudson Family Dental PC, here in Hudson, MA, and set up an appointment with one of our dentists, Dr. Michael Gigliotti or Dr. Jared Gittleman.

Our Location

414 Main St, Hudson, MA

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-8:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-8:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-8:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am - 12:00 pm *Every Other

Sunday:

Closed

Contact Us