Total Care Dental Madison

Professional Teeth Cleaning: Brush Up on the Basics

Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth, gums, and overall health. Between regular visits (bi-annual, 6-month checkups) to our dental clinic for teeth cleanings and other dental health care services, you should maintain good homecare habits. Follow the simple steps below to decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental health issues.

5 Ways to Improve Your Tooth Brushing Technique

Many patients assume they know everything about brushing their teeth, but there's always room for improvement. Follow these steps for a cleaner, healthier smile:

Brush for 2 minutes, twice a day with a soft-bristled brush that comfortably fits your mouth - consider using an electric toothbrush
Gently floss every night before bed to remove plaque build-up near the gum line
Hold your brush at a slight angle, aim for where your teeth meet your gums, then the outside, inside, tops and surfaces of your teeth and tongue
Always rinse your toothbrush after use, store in an upright position and let dry before using again. Storing your brush in a closed container encourages bacteria growth
Replace your brush, every 3-4 months or when wear-and-tear becomes evident

Should you brush or floss first? Evidence suggests that as long as you do a thorough job, it doesn't matter. However, flossing before brushing may allow more fluoride to reach between your teeth.

Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Healthy oral hygiene habits are important for your overall health. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and the development of serious health complications. Oral bacteria can contribute to endocarditis and cardiovascular disease. A healthy mouth can improve your quality of life by allowing you to eat properly, sleep better and improve your confidence.

Taking care of your teeth at home is one of the best ways to prevent dental health issues. Improve your oral hygiene with these additional 4 steps:

Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
Use dental products which contain fluoride, including toothpaste
Use an antimicrobial or fluoride mouth rinse
Check your gums for inflammation or bleeding

Professional Teeth Cleaning in Madison

There are many areas of the mouth that are difficult to clean on your own. During your preventative dentistry appointment, our dental hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth. This makes it easier for your dentist to examine each tooth.

Along with cleaning, we offer in-office teeth whitening. This procedure, usually completed in under two hours, drastically improves or whitens the color of your teeth. Get the healthiest, best-looking smile possible with Total Care Dental!

Plaque Facts

Plaque is a sticky layer of bacterial buildup which accumulates on your teeth over the course of a day. If you don't remove it daily, it will build up and harden over time. Certain foods cause more plaque than others. Sugary foods and starches are the main culprits for releasing plaque-causing acids in your mouth.

Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, causing redness and bleeding. If left untreated, the bones around the teeth can decay, and your teeth may fall out. Daily brushing and flossing greatly help to remove plaque buildup, which is why brushing twice per day is strongly recommended.

Indications of Good Oral Hygiene:

Your teeth are clean and free of debris
Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
Bad breath is not a constant problem

Read through our FAQ on oral hygiene to learn more about better brushing and flossing techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Affordable Teeth Cleaning

Total Care Dental wants to provide for all our patients. We accept most forms of payment, from cash to personal checks to most major credit cards. We also accept CareCredit cards and Illumisure. Even if you do not have dental insurance, you can afford our services through one of our financing plans.

Contact the Madison dentists today to schedule your teeth cleaning appointment.