Brushing and Flossing: The Dynamic Duo
There is more to oral hygiene than simply brushing your teeth. Though brushing is vital, it needs to be done in concert with its companion, flossing. Brushing should be done twice a day, for 2 minutes each time. Use a very soft toothbrush to make short back-and-forth strokes over your teeth and gums. Using the soft bristled brush will make sure that you get your teeth and gums clean, without damaging the enamel or gum tissue. Flossing is also vital for protection from plaque buildup. Chad Latino DDS is glad to offer information on flossing. Flossing cleans between teeth, in the areas your brush cannot reach. Flossing should be done once a day, for 2-3 minutes per session. Use a single-filament thread, if possible, to prevent fraying. Frayed floss is less effective, and shreds can get caught between teeth, causing discomfort. Brushing and flossing both work to remove food particles, debris, acids, and plaque away from your teeth and gums. There are bacteria that live in your mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars from food particles and produce and acidic byproduct that erodes tooth enamel. The bacteria form a sticky film known as plaque that covers the teeth and gums. This is unsightly and damaging to your teeth. It can lead to enamel erosion (cavities) and gum disease. If your plaque buildup has hardened, it is called tartar. Only a dentist has the proper tools and training to remove tartar and get your smile clean and white again. For more information, call Chad Latino DDS at 254-615-3084. No matter your dental needs, we are there for you. For example, could you use a deep cleaning? We offer this service and more as part of our comprehensive general and family dentistry in Waco, Texas. Dr. Latino and our team look forward to making your smile shine!
Could You Use a Deep Cleaning?
Even if you carefully brush and floss every day, you will still have plaque. It is a fact of life, and just a part of having teeth. However, if you do not keep up with your brushing and flossing, plaque can build up on your teeth and eventually harden into a tougher substance known as tartar. Plaque can cause your gums to recede, which then gives the plaque a chance to form below the gumline. If that happens, you could lose teeth and even parts of your jawbone. That sounds very serious, and it is. However, your dentist can treat the problem with a deep cleaning, which is also known as scaling and root planing. In scaling, the dentist uses an instrument to remove the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. With root planing, the dentist will smooth out the roots of your tooth so that they can re-attach themselves to your gums. After your procedure, you may have some pain the next day, and your teeth may be somewhat sensitive for a week afterwards. If this pain continues longer than a day, let your dentist know during your follow-up appointment. During that appointment, the dentist will also measure the depths of the pockets of your gums to see how the healing is progressing, or if further treatment is necessary. If you have noticed that you have tender, red, swollen or bleeding gums, our dentist, Dr. Latino may be able to help you with a deep cleaning. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a deep cleaning, or it is just time for your regular dental exam, give us a call. If you live in the Waco, Texas, area, you can reach Chad Latino DDS at 254-615-3084. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Is Bad Breath Embarrassing You?
Are you self-conscious about your breath because it isn’t appealing? If so, you are not alone. Less than stellar breath is quite common but it can be unnerving during the socializing brought on by the holiday season. The good news is, bad breath, or halitosis, can be easily remedied depending on the cause of your condition. Fortunately, Dr. [doctor_name] and our team in [city], [state] is skilled at helping our patients resolve oral issues. To find out the cause of your bad breath, our dentist will begin by thoroughly examining your mouth. The first line of defense is reducing the bacteria in your mouth. Some factors we will look for include plaque and tartar (which is hardened plaque), any fillings in your mouth that may be leaking, whether or not you have dry mouth, or an infection, an abscess, or gum disease. Depending on the cause of your bad breath, we may recommend deep cleanings, a root canal or artificial saliva (in the case of dry mouth). In addition to your vigilant brushing and flossing, you may be prescribed an antimicrobial mouthwash. You can also boost healthy saliva production by increasing your water intake and chewing sugar-free gum. This holiday season, refresh your breath by getting the help you need to have a confident smile once again. Our dedicated team in [city], [state], is happy to help with the right treatment options for your needs. Please call [phone] today and let Dr. [doctor_name] restore your healthy smile!
