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The Fall season usually comes with lots of candy. With trick-or-treating approaching, it’s more important than ever to have “spooktacular” dental hygiene. Great oral hygiene can help protect the teeth from the acids that the mouth produces from sugar. Dr. Don Schiess and our team are happy to instruct you on how to “spooktacularly” care for your smile.

Brush Your Teeth
It is so important that you not only brush your teeth, but that you brush enough. We recommend that you brush your teeth twice each day for at least two minutes. If you have a hard time estimating the time needed, listen to a short song, watch a two-minute video, or set a timer to give yourself sufficient time to clean your smile. When brushing, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Brush your teeth with your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Use gentle back and forth strokes, making sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth. Do not scrub your teeth, as this can damage the tooth enamel. When brushing the backs of the front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use short strokes.

Floss Your Teeth
Flossing every day is important, as is flossing properly. Proper flossing ensures that the plaque is removed from between the teeth. Choose whatever type of floss that you like. Cut a piece of dental floss that is about 18 inches long. Wrap the floss around a finger on each hand, leaving an inch or two to work with. Gently work the dental floss in between your teeth and follow the curves of your teeth. Make sure that you floss below the gum line, moving the floss in a C shape. Take care not to snap the floss on the gums. As you floss, wrap used floss around one finger and unwind clean floss from the other finger. This will help avoid moving bacteria and floss from one area of the mouth to another.

Contract Open Door Family Dentistry at 541-773-4073 today to learn more about “spooktacular” oral hygiene and to set up your next visit with our dentist in Medford, Oregon.