Bay Shore NY Dentist | Bay Shore NY Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Eugene Antenucci DDS wants patients to be as healthy as possible, but in order to do so, they must first know the basic facts about good oral hygiene. It is important to understand what can be damaging to your oral health and how to keep it at bay.

The enamel on your tooth will wear away from exposure to acid. Acid is the byproduct that occurs when bacteria in your mouth feed on carbohydrates. It is important to brush your teeth every day, twice a day, in order to avoid damage from this acid.

If the acid has already damaged your teeth and you have decay, you may not always know. Often people have decay but do not show symptoms until long after the decay starts. Most early decay goes unnoticed, but if you visit your dentist the recommended one every 6 months you should be able to catch it early enough to save your tooth or teeth.

If you do notice decay, you may not be brushing correctly. When you brush, it is important to hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle with the bristles pointed toward your gums. It is also important to try and brush every tooth’s’ surface, as well as the gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth.

While brushing, it is possible to experience bleeding from your gums. This is normal and it is often caused by irritation from plaque and food particles along the gum line. The bleeding should cease pretty quickly, and there shouldn’t be a lot of blood.

No matter what you do, the most important things are to brush twice daily and floss at least once a day! Flossing is extremely important because it can get the hard-to-reach placed between the teeth. Be sure to brush twice daily, as well as floss. Brushing more often than that, however, can be damaging to your mouth. It is best to brush in the morning and before you go to bed.

For more tips on how to keep a healthy mouth, contact your Bay Shore NY Dentist. Call (631) 665-8484 or click here to schedule an appointment or to contact us if you have any questions.