Consistent oral hygiene habits are essential for the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. An effective daily routine starts by remembering to brush your teeth each morning and evening with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You also need to remember to thoroughly floss between your teeth and along the gumline once each day.

When brushing our dentists note that you need to remember to thoroughly clean all exterior surfaces and contours of your teeth. It’s best to work the brush head in small circles to remove plaque and food particles from each tooth. It should take you roughly two to three minutes to fully clean both sets of teeth.

When flossing you need to clean the spaces between each of your teeth as well as along the gumline. It’s important to clear away plaque and stray food deposits before they can harden into tartar, which is the leading cause of gum disease.

You also need to remember to clean behind each of your rear molars. Bacterial deposits and residual food particles in these areas can lead to severe tooth decay and periodontal health problems.

If you live in the Sacramento, California, area and you have an oral health or hygiene concern, you should call 916-649-0249 to schedule a dental checkup from our dentist and the staff at Gateway Oaks Dental. Dr. Hoang Truong and Dr. Asma Sajid are here for your oral health!