Maintain Your Oral Hygiene With Female Dentist in Brandon – Bridges Dental

1. TELEPHONE Phone: 813-654-3399Fax: 813-436-5543 MAILING ADDRESS Bridges Dental 3646 Lithia Pinecrest Road Valrico, FL 33596 www.bridgesdental.com

2. DENTAL HEALTH VALRICO FL At Bridges Dental, Female Dentist in Brandon Dr. Laura Bridges is prepared to answer all questions pertaining to your dental health and appearance. Oral hygiene, specifically brushing and flossing, are a vital part of your dental health. We can also answer your questions about the different dental specialties and explain the meaning of dental terms. Dental Health Includes : Oral Hygiene Child Dentistry Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning) Dental Dictionary Periodontal Maintenance Arestin Dental Specialties

3. ORAL HYGIENE WHY IS ORAL HYGIENE SO IMPORTANT? Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily. Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.

4. HOW TO BRUSH TEETH If you have any pain while brushing your teeth or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call the office at 813-654-3399. Dr. Bridges recommends using a soft to medium tooth brush. Position the brush at a 45 degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort. When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth.

5. HOW TO FLOSS Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice. To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion.  To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands. Do not forget the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower. When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.

6. CARING FOR SENSITIVE TEETH Sometimes after dental treatment, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. This should not last long, but only if the mouth is kept clean. If the mouth is not kept clean the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive consult with your dentist. They may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth. PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CLEANING Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental calculus to a minimum, but a professional dental cleaning will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. Your visit to our office is an important part of your program to prevent gum disease with Lithia/Brandon dentist. Keep your teeth for your lifetime.