This 8-part series provides an in-depth look at seven different habits, addictions and behaviors that are deadly to your oral health.

Welcome back to our 8-part extravaganza on the different habits, behaviors and addictions that are deadly to your good oral health. In our introductory article, Norwalk dental implants specialists – people who really understand tooth loss and the various factors that cause it – discussed what the average mouth looks like under the microscope and that, at any given moment, it is teeming with bacteria.

No matter how often you brush or floss, you will never be able to completely eliminate these organisms, but this is not necessarily a bad thing! Most of the bacteria in your mouth is good for you and even helps to fight the good fight against the bad species of bacteria. But, when people neglect to look after their teeth and gums properly, both kinds of bacteria are allowed to multiply unchecked and that’s when potentially disastrous problems begin to develop.

Deadly Dental Sin # 1: Neglecting Oral Hygiene

The portrait of the average American is of one who showers every day and spends time and money on his or her appearance. They even perhaps suffer from a touch of germ phobia by refusing to touch staircase rails and carrying an anti-bacterial hand gel in their bags. And yet, the very same people, who would baulk at the idea of not showering for a week, do not take the essential steps required to maintain good oral hygiene. For a population that generally takes a stand against germs, we certainly do allow our mouths to be a bacterial playground!

“Brushing your teeth twice a day is simply not enough,” explain New York dental implants specialists. “Everybody should be brushing two to three times a day AND flossing.”

Flossing is an activity that is done by few people and yet, unless you are using a similar technology such as a Waterpik®, it is essential for keeping the narrow gaps between your teeth free of food debris, bacteria and plaque. Not flossing is like showering without soap and a sponge: you aren’t removing as much dirt and germs as you could be.

A Good Oral Hygiene Routine Looks Like:

• You should brush your teeth three times a day, after meals.
• Brush for at least two minutes at a time.
• You should floss your teeth before you go to bed at night, every night.
• Rinse with an ADA-approved anti-bacterial mouthwash to complement your routine, but it should never replace a brush.
• Visit the dental hygienist for a professional cleaning twice a year.

Other Important Tips Include:

• Make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride.
• Wait about 30 minutes after a meal for the PH levels in your mouth to neutralize before you brush your teeth. Acid softens dental enamel, so if you brush immediately it could lead to faster erosion.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months and immediately if you’ve recently suffered a cold, flu or other viral infection.
• Don’t store your toothbrush in an airtight container as the moist environment encourages bacterial growth.
• Do store your toothbrush in an aired cabinet or upright somewhere away from a flushing toilet.

If you aren’t brushing and flossing regularly and thoroughly, you are committing deadly dental sin # 1!

Stay Tuned for Part 3

Stay tuned for the third installment of this 8-part article series in which Norwalk dental implants specialists discuss the number two transgression against oral health: tobacco use.

• New York dental implants restore functionality to the mouth, aiding in chewing, digestion and communication through speech.
• Crowns and bridges placed on them are virtually indiscernible from natural healthy teeth, resulting in a beautiful aesthetic smile without gaps.
• New York dental implants require virtually the same care as natural teeth. This enables patients to carry on with their lives without complicated post-procedural care instructions.

This three-part article series provides 10 fascinating dental facts that might just help you improve your daily oral health and hygiene habits.

Did you think you knew everything there was to know about your oral health? Brush twice a day, see your dentist regularly, yadda yadda yadda. You’ve heard it all a million times before. Well, think again! Some of the statistics coming out of the dental healthcare institutes and associations are quite sobering and indicative of a population that is not quite as “in-the-know” as we’d like to think!

In this three-part article series, dental implant specialists in New York tell us 10 very interesting facts about oral health and hygiene: 10 facts that might just compel you to up your game as far as looking after your teeth is concerned!

Fact # 1: Tooth decay is frightfully common in the United States

Tooth decay is the most common ailment in the United States, second ONLY to the common cold or influenza!

“Tooth decay is caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar (collectively referred to as calculus) on and around the tooth structure,” explain dental implants specialists in New York. “Calculus IS bacteria and the acidic wastes they produce damage your dental enamel forming cavities. Left untreated, decay can lead to the infection of the inner pulp chamber, necessitating root canal therapy to save the tooth. Ultimately, decay leads to tooth loss and the need for dental implants.”

The terrible statistics of tooth decay and tooth loss in the United States tells us that people of all ages, genders and economic and social backgrounds are not taking the simple measures necessary to keep their teeth and gums in good condition. Is this a matter of education? Financial constraints? Laziness? Perhaps, but no reason is really good enough. You need your teeth. They play a fundamental role in digestion, communication and presentation. Start looking after them!

Fact # 2: The average American brushes for a fraction of the recommended time.

“You should brush your teeth for two minutes, two to three times a day,” say New York dental implants specialists. “Yet, the average patient only brushes their teeth 38 seconds PER DAY!”

This explains in part why tooth decay is so common in the United States! Next time you brush your teeth, time yourself and see just how much brushing time you’re cheating yourself out of. Try and spend 30 seconds per quadrant of the mouth to get a proper, thorough clean. Don’t forget to brush your palate, tongue and inner cheeks as well. Plaque accumulates on the soft tissues just as readily as it does on your teeth!

Fact # 3: Don’t Floss? You’re leaving 35% of your tooth surfaces unclean!

You may hate flossing, but if you don’t do it every day you’re leaving 35% of your tooth surfaces unclean! That’s like climbing in the shower and only washing your abdomen, leaving your legs, arms and head full of sweat and grime.

“Flossing is an integral component of a thorough oral hygiene routine,” stress dental implants specialists in New York. “It’s why oral hygienists floss your teeth when you come for a professional cleaning – there simply is no better way to clean between the teeth!”

You must floss every day, preferably before you go to bed at night, or else you are leaving all that plaque and food debris to remain trapped, increasing your risk of tooth decay and associated problems, such as bad breath.

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read more of the fascinating dental facts provided to us by New York dental implants specialists, stay tuned for the second installment of this three-part article series.