, Dr. Amanda Foust, has constructed the following list of homecare tips.
Three Tips for Better Homecare
- Don’t brush too hard or too often. Sometimes people will brush their teeth with extreme force in an effort to make sure they get rid of stubborn plaque and tartar. Unfortunately, by brushing too forcefully, you can actually do more harm than good to your teeth. Powerful abrasion can strip the enamel away from teeth, weakening them and making them vulnerable to attack from bacteria. In addition, forceful brushing may damage the gums, causing pain and bleeding. Thus, if you want to keep your teeth clean, be sure to brush your teeth 2-3 times per day (too often can have the same result as forceful brushing) and trust to thorough homecare rather than force to keep your teeth clean.
- Use the proper amount of dental floss. When flossing, it is a good idea to use about 18 inches of dental floss. This amount allows you to use different sections of the floss to clean different areas of your mouth. Thus, you will have clean floss available the entire time rather than using the same floss for every section, which can spread, rather than remove, bacteria.
- Angle the bristles of your toothbrush toward your gum line. Gum disease is a serious threat to the mouth. Thus, be sure that you angle your toothbrush’s bristles toward your gum line. This simple precaution can help keep harmful bacteria away from the gums, lowering your risk of developing gum disease.
Schedule a Visit with Your Ankeny IA Dentist
When paired with proper homecare, regular dental cleanings can help you maintain a healthy mouth. If more than six months have passed since your last dental visit, contact , Dr. Foust, today to schedule an appointment by calling (515) 965-0230. Also, visit our website to print patient forms, learn about our team, and view our other services. We offer general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry and look forward to treating patients from Polk City, Bondurant, Elkhart, Alleman, and surrounding cities.
