Each time you visit your local dentist or periodontist you hear this voice in your head wishing that your next appointment will be better \u2013 without your gums bleeding excess blood or buildup of tar tar around your tooth because well, that is just embarrassing! And yes, periodontists DO KNOW the reasons behind all your dental activities.<\/p>\n
Wishing that your next appointment will be better is easy but it actually having a better dental or periodontal visit needs some improvements in your daily routine.<\/p>\n
Floss.\u00a0<\/strong> Set a timer.\u00a0<\/strong> To effectively reach all areas and rid your mouth of cavity-causing bacteria, it is recommended to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day.<\/em><\/p>\n Brush softer.\u00a0<\/strong> It\u2019s a myth that harder bristles do a better job.<\/u><\/p>\n Buying a softer toothbrush can help save your enamel as well. Toothbrushes should be changed every three to four months or after you\u2019ve been sick.<\/em><\/p>\n Go high-tech.<\/strong> Chew gum.\u00a0<\/strong>It\u2019s not always possible to brush your teeth between meals, so keeping a pack of sugar-free gum on hand can help you ward off cavities.<\/p>\n Saliva has natural antibacterial properties and can help serve as a buffer between the bacteria that causes gum diseases and the bone and tissues around your teeth, since gum-chewing helps to increase saliva flow in the mouth.<\/em><\/p>\n David Kao, DDS is an expert periodontist <\/a>and dental implant specialist for the greater downtown Los Angeles area. Contact us<\/a> to schedule a consultation today for your overall oral health!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n
\nJust using a toothbrush is not enough\u200b. Flossing, which you should do\u00a0before<\/em>\u00a0you brush, helps loosen plaque between teeth that your brush would otherwise be unable to reach. The proper way to floss is to wrap 18 inches around your fingers and move it gently in a U-shape between your teeth, using a clean section for each tooth.<\/p>\n
\nHaphazardly brushing your teeth in the morning before you run out the door to catch your bus might get rid of your\u00a0morning breath, but it\u2019s not likely to have a meaningful effect on your overall health.<\/p>\n
\nMost people try to scrub their teeth clean with their toothbrush, but doing that does little more than ruin your enamel. Instead, hold your brush softly at a 45-degree angle, and brush in a circular motion.<\/p>\n
\nChange your toothbrush often.\u00a0<\/strong>
\nAn old, frayed toothbrush isn\u2019t going to do a great job getting your mouth clean, so be sure to replace your brush whenever you see the bristles start to wear.<\/p>\n
\nElectric toothbrushes\u00a0are a better choice for some people than manual brushes, because they closely resemble the tools dentists use in their office.<\/p>\nPeriodontist Tips<\/h2>\n