Three Oral Hygiene Tips to Help You Navigate the Holidays

Celebrating the holidays doesn’t have to come at the cost of your oral health. Despite the busy holiday season, you can still navigate the holiday festivities by employing three simple smile care tips. At our dental practice, Dr. Kinney, Dr. Savio, and Dr. Skelley are pleased to share some oral care tips for our patients in San Francisco, California and the neighboring communities.

Brushing

Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use the right size toothbrush for your mouth, and use the softest bristles you can to do the job to protect tooth enamel and gum tissue. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and use short up-and-down strokes to clean your teeth.

ADA Approved Products

Use ADA-approved products to ensure safety and effectiveness. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or so when your bristles become frayed. If you are prone to gum disease, it may help to use an electric toothbrush with smaller heads to remove plaque. Fluoride toothpaste can strengthen your enamel, and toothpaste for sensitive teeth can reduce tooth sensitivity. If you have children, encourage them to brush by using fun flavors to help establish a healthy cleaning routine. Children’s toothpaste comes in strawberry, bubblegum, and even anti-cavity chocolate.

Flossing

Gum disease afflicts 64.7 million Americans (reported by the CDC), and essentially, it is an infection of gum tissue, which can cause tooth loss if left untreated. Don’t forget to floss at least once a day. Flossing removes plaque and food particles in between the teeth and under the gumline. Whether waxed or unwaxed, flavored or plain, multifilament or monofilament, flossing reaches those areas your toothbrush just can’t.

Celebrate the holidays in style by looking out for your smile. Implementing these smile tips will leave your smile healthier and happier. To schedule your next checkup and cleaning, please call 415-647-7077 in San Francisco, California today. Dr. Kinney, Dr. Savio, and Dr. Skelley wish you a healthy, happy holiday!