Fall Is a Good Time to Make New Smile Goals

Thanks to the renewed energy that fall brings, it is a good time to make new goals to encourage a healthier smile throughout the year. October is also National Dental Hygiene Month, so our team at Dr. Scott A. Ervin, DDS is excited to share some oral hygiene goals for you to give you the healthy, confident smile you deserve.

1-The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your pearly whites for two minutes, twice a day. To protect tooth enamel and gum tissue, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Find one that has a small enough head to clean the molars in the back.

2-When you brush, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Don’t scrub your tooth surfaces, “massage” them instead. Your toothbrush can also clean your tongue, and since it is a place where bacterial residue builds up, don’t skip this part. A side benefit of cleaning your tongue is fresher breath!

3-Flossing once a day will clean between the teeth and gumline where your toothbrush can’t. Flossing removes the bacterial biofilm ( plaque) that will harden into tartar (or calculus) otherwise. Tartar requires removal by our dentist using special tools.

4-Incorporating a germ-fighting mouthwash to your daily routine is also a good idea. This step removes residual oral bacteria, which fights tooth decay and gum disease while freshening your breath.

5-To stimulate saliva levels in the mouth, chew sugarless gum for 20 minutes after you eat. This chewing action actually promotes the production of saliva which washes away food particles and neutralizes harmful acids created by oral bacteria.

Our dentist, Dr. Scott Ervin, is excited to help you achieve your smile goals all year round. If you have questions for our team or are ready to schedule an appointment with us in Terrell, Texas, please call 972-563-1670 today!