Diamond Dental Scarsdale - Pediatrics & Family Dentistry

Dr. Tener Huang (Board Certified Pediatric Dentist) & Dr. George Lee (Family and Cosmetic Dentist)

Call: 914-472-9001
800 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale
Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on InstagramFollow Us on BloggerFollow Us on YelpFollow Us on emailFollow Us on NP SchedulingFollow Us on Google
  • Home
  • About Us
    • What sets us apart?
    • Success Stories
    • Meet Dr. George Lee
    • Meet Dr. Tener Huang (Board Certified Pediatric Dentist)
  • New Patients
    • Your First Visit
    • Office Tour
    • Patient Forms
    • Financial Information
  • Pediatric Dentistry
    • Orthodontic Screening
  • Preventive Care
    • Dental Hygiene
    • Gum Disease
    • Halitosis
    • Tooth Loss
    • Sports Mouthguards
  • Restore Your Smile
    • Full Mouth Rehabilitation
    • Implant Dentistry
    • Dental Bridges
    • Dental Crowns
    • Oral Surgery
    • Augmentation
  • Enhance Your Smile
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Veneers & Lumineers
    • Cosmetic Bonding
    • Invisalign
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Braces FAQ
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
    • Office Location
    • Appointment Request
    • Refer a Friend or Family
  • Manhattan Office

Dental Hygiene

toothbrushLike most people, you know that having a clean mouth is important. It makes you feel good about yourself. It gives you fresh breath and a nicer-looking smile. Since childhood, you’ve probably heard that brushing and flossing your teeth daily are necessary for good dental health. But like many people, you may not be sure why. Brushing and flossing remove a thin sticky film of bacteria that grows on your teeth. This sticky film, called plaque, is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease. How can bacteria cause so many problems?

The plaque problem

Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. Sugared foods, such as candy and cookies, are not the only culprits. Starches, such as bread, crackers, and cereal, also cause acids to form. If you snack often, you could be having acid attacks all day long. After many acid attacks, your teeth may decay.

Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, tender or bleed easily. After a while, gums may pull away from the teeth. Pockets form and fill with more bacteria and pus. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed. The teeth may become loose or have to be removed. In fact, gum disease is a main cause of tooth loss in adults.

One way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease is by eating a balanced diet and limiting the number of between-meal snacks. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or a piece of fruit.

Daily oral care

The best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day. Brushing removes plaque from the tooth surfaces. Brush your teeth twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay. When choosing any dental product, look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, an important symbol of a dental product’s safety and effectiveness.

flossing

Cleaning between the teeth with floss or interdental cleaners removes plaque from between the teeth, areas where the toothbrush can’t reach. It is essential in preventing gum disease.

By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile your entire life. Follow these tips to keep your teeth and mouth clean:

Brushing Tips

  • Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
  • Move the brush back and forth gently in short (toothwide) strokes.
  • Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
  • Use the “toe” of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
  • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Flossing Facts

  • Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.
  • Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.
  • Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
  • When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
  • Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
  • Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.
  • People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to use another kind of interdental cleaner. These aids include special brushes, picks or sticks. If you use interdental cleaners, ask your dentist about how to use them properly, to avoid injuring your gums.
Diamond Dental Scarsdale – Pediatrics & Family Dentistry
Copyright © 2019 Diamond Dental Scarsdale – Pediatrics & Family Dentistry