Your dentist in Lumberton, NC, Dr. Colin Osborne III, says that correct oral hygiene insures you against gum disease, tooth decay and their adverse systemic effects. However, almost fifty percent of adults use just toothbrush and toothpaste during their daily hygiene routines, says the Oral Health Foundation. Flossing between and around their teeth is simply neglected. Don't be part of these disturbing statistics. Learn all you can about proper oral hygiene, and then, practice it for your best possible smile.

Healthy teeth and gums are no accident

While heredity does factor into oral health, most healthy mouths result from diligent at-home and in-office care. What can you do at home? The American Dental Association says we all should brush for two minutes two times a day. In other words, spend the proper amount of time at the bathroom sink, employing a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste.

However, don't scrub too vigorously as it wears down your tooth enamel and abrades your gums. Instead, place the bristles of the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your teeth, and gently brush back and forth. Systematically go all around your mouth, and then do the chewing and posterior surfaces of your teeth. To finish, rinse with water or any mouth rinse your Lumberton dentist recommends.

Floss, too

Flossing cooperates with brushing to remove the plaque that builds-up on and between teeth from the foods we eat on a daily basis. Plaque eventually hardens into tartar, and both substances contain bacteria which lead to decay and destructive gum disease.

So, bottom-line, flossing keeps ahead of the plaque that brushing alone simply cannot remove. Most people brush their teeth first and then finish with flossing. Individuals who are most successful with this important oral hygiene habit pick one of the many flossing products on the market and stick with it.

There's plain floss, waxed, thin, thick, and flavored, too. Some people prefer interproximal brushes which resemble tiny baby bottle brushes.Y-shaped flossers and Waterpik appliances are good choices,too. Remember, just as with brushing, be gentle as you floss, especially if you are new to it.

Visit your Lumberton dentist

Dr. Osborne likes to see his patients every six months for oral exams, X-rays (as needed) and professional cleanings. These cleanings remove the tartar and plaque you miss at home, and your hygienist uses a special rotary tool to polish your enamel so it sparkles.

If it's time for your routine check-up and exam, please contact Dr. Colin Osborne's friendly office team to arrange your appointment. Phone (910) 738-9396.