Chelmsford Dentist

Chelmsford Dentist | The first line of defense against tooth decay and gum disease is actually the responsibility of the patient. The battle takes place at your home. Unless you have some kind of mouth trauma or serious underlying medical problem, you should be able to preserve the health of your teeth and gums by regularly brushing and flossing, as well as eating a healthy, nutritious diet. For this reason, proper at-home dental care cannot be left to chance. Developing good habits is essential. Learn more below and contact our Chelmsford dentist today.

Fast facts on teeth and gum health:

• Teeth are composed primarily of minerals.
• Plaque is a sticky biofilm containing bacteria that damage teeth and gums.
• Smoking is a major risk factor for developing gum disease.

Brushing Your Teeth

Everyone knows that brushing their teeth at home is the best way to prevent tooth decay, but not everyone knows how to get the most out of this important daily practice. According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, you should brush for at least two minutes twice per day.  Your Chelmsford dentist may recommend additional brushing depending on your unique needs. Use only a soft or medium-bristle toothbrush to avoid damaging your tooth enamel. It is also important to maintain a 45° angle when using your toothbrush. The angle is relative to your gum line. The motion of your toothbrush is also important. Use a gentle, circular motion when brushing your teeth and avoid scrubbing or sawing motions. It is helpful to periodically brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove any bacteria that may be hiding there. And if you are unable to brush your teeth after a snack or meal, such as when you are away from home, you can still rinse your mouth out with water to remove much of the food debris that would otherwise feed oral bacteria that causes tooth decay. Don’t let it get a head start. You should replace your toothbrush every three months at a minimum, as well as following any illness.

Flossing Your Teeth

It is important that you floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and food particles in hard-to-reach areas that your toothbrush may miss. One key area to look for is the tight spaces between your teeth and the area under your gum line. These are areas that are susceptible to the formation of plaque that can harden and turn into tartar. By failing to regularly floss your teeth, plaque and tartar can accumulate that cause cavities and gum disease.

Watching Your Diet

Watching your diet is more than about just maintaining a healthy weight. Certain foods and beverages are known to contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Sugar is definitely the biggest culprit here. That is because oral bacteria use sugars to produce acids that destroy tooth enamel. So try to limit your consumption of sugary candies, sodas, cookies and chocolate.

Contact Us

Our Chelmsford dentist provides dental consultations to existing and new patients. Learn more by contacting our office today.