How Often Should I Brush and Floss?
We would like to see all our patients brush their teeth at least twice a day while flossing needs to be done once-a-day. It is best to brush your teeth first thing in the morning, just after you get up and last thing at night just before you go to sleep. We prefer our patients to floss last thing at night so they go to sleep with a mouth that is clean and fresh. We produce less saliva during sleep and the drier conditions enable bacteria to thrive, which is why it is so important to thoroughly remove plaque and excess food from your mouth just before bedtime.
How Often Should I Have My Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
We suggest most people have their teeth scaled and polished every six months by our dentist. This treatment removes all plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the tooth surfaces which is very important for good gum health. Tartar contains bacteria that produce toxins which will infect and inflame the gums, causing gum disease; its removal greatly decreases your risk of developing this condition. Our dental team can also offer advice on improving oral care at home