Clean Teeth like a Dentist in Yorktown Heights | Dr. Lerner

Focusing On Your Whole Body Health

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Oral hygiene is the foundation of good dental health. Brushing and flossing regularly is the best way to keep your Yorktown Heights smile healthy and clean. Consider this your personal tutorial on the art of dental hygiene, instructed by Dr. Lerner and the expert hygienists at The Center for Holistic Dentistry.

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss & Mouthwash

Before we talk technique, we need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. You’re going to need a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and floss. Pick whatever floss is most comfortable for you and any toothpaste that you like, provided it has fluoride. Mouthwash is not required, but some Yorktown Heights residents really like the extra health boost you get from a good swish and gargle.

How do you pick a good toothbrush?

  • Always go with soft bristles. Medium or hard bristles can damage enamel.
  • Choose a brush that fits your mouth. The head of the brush should be small enough to reach all the way behind your back teeth and fit comfortably in your mouth and hand.
  • Electric toothbrushes are fine, but you can achieve the same results with a regular toothbrush if you know how to brush like a pro.
  • Remember to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, every time you get over a cold, or whenever the bristles start to look mangled.

Floss Like a Boss

Dr. Lerner reminds us to floss before brushing. That way you can ensure that the particles and bacteria unearthed during flossing will be removed during the expert brushing session that follows. Make sure to floss at least once a day.

  1. Wrap about 18 inches of floss around your two index fingers, with most of it on one finger.
  2. Work the floss in between two teeth, wrap it around the back tooth and work it up and down several times. Then, repeat with the front tooth.
  3. Make sure you don’t “snap” the floss because this can injure your gums.
  4. As you get to each tooth, let out a little more floss and wrap it around the finger, tightening the slack. This will avoid putting the nasty stuff from one tooth back between two other teeth.

Expert Brushing Techniques

We’ve talked toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste, so now it’s time to teach the fine folks of Yorktown Heights how to brush like a dentist. Here we go!

  • Brush at least twice a day. The best times are before breakfast and right before bed.
  • Don’t overdo it on the toothpaste. You only need a pea-sized dollop. Any more than that will make your mouth unpleasantly foamy and increase your chances of swallowing fluoride, which is not good for your health.
  • Brush for at least two minutes. The most common mistake is not brushing long enough. Using a stopwatch, hourglass, or just humming a song can help you stay on track. There are even smartphone apps available to keep you on track!
  • Start with your brush on your gum line at a 45-degree angle.
  • Brush up and down and/or in a circular motion, but NOT across.
  • Don’t brush too hard! Brushing harder doesn’t make up for not brushing long enough. In fact, brushing too hard can damage enamel and even injure gums enough to cause painful gum recession and exposure of tooth roots.
  • Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth – that means front, back, sides, corners, and chewing surfaces. If you divide your brushing time into 30 seconds for each side of the upper and lower teeth, you stand a much better chance of covering all of your bases.
  • Brush your tongue. The worst of bad breath-causing bacteria live on your tongue.
  • Rinse out your mouth, rinse off your brush, use a little mouthwash if you like, and pack it in.
  • Pat yourself on the back for brushing the right way and giving yourself the excellent oral care you deserve!

If you have any questions or would like to come in for a professional cleaning, contact us at The Center for Holistic Dentistry today!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.


Sources

http://www.adha.org/ndhm/index.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Brush-Your-Teeth

Your Top-Rated & New Favorite Dentist In Yorktown Heights, NY

"I can’t thank Dr. Lerner and his staff enough, notably his assistant Nicole for expertly handling my mercury filling removals.I had it done in 2 phases and they took very good care of me on both occasions. The whole office is very pleasant, so professional and I look forward to my visits. On this most recent cleaning appointment, Linda did my cleaning. She was gentle and thorough. Highly recommend."

- Vanessa R.

"Excellent experience during my initial consultation. The most complete examination I have ever had by a dentist, including full body muscle testing. This testing uncovered major alignment issues with my jaw which has been causing a lifetime of misalignment throughout the rest of my body. Dr. Lerner and his staff are outside the box thinkers and I am very happy I have found them."

- Greg R.

"Very professional and compassionate. Love the use of Nucalm, eye mask, calming music, and making removing my mercury fillings a pleasant experience. Well as pleasant as can be. Thank you!!!"

- Jodi B.

"Been seeing Dr Lerner since I was about 11 years old, I’m now 31! I continue to see Jane for cleanings and just did the zoom whitening treatment with them in preparation of my wedding- highly recommend!"

- Chloe L.

*The reviews listed are from actual patients of The Center For Holistic Dentistry. Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.

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What To Expect On Your First Visit

Our mission is to encourage full-body wellness through oral health while allowing you to feel heard and understand all your options. During your new patient exam, Dr. Lerner will spend time reviewing your health history, concerns, and goals. Your comprehensive exam will address items you may not have considered such as airway screening and dental materials sensitivity testing. We look forward to meeting you!

Comprehensive Review Of Your Health History & Concerns

Evaluation Of Teeth, Bite, Gums & Airway Passage

Low Radiation Digital X-Rays

Discover Your Options & Receive A Custom Treatment Plan