Oral Hygiene

"Every day, your mouth has more than a million micro-creatures feeding, reproducing and depositing waste in your mouth," says Amber Broadway, Dental Hygienist at Paducah Dental Care. Doesn’t that make you want to brush your teeth?

Healthy teeth lead a great smile and help you eat and speak properly. Plus, good oral health is essential for your overall health.


What is good oral hygiene?
Clean teeth free of debris
Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
Bad breath is not a common problem
How do you maintain good oral hygiene? Follow these easy steps from Paducah Dental Care


Brush Your Teeth
Why? To remove plaque, the leading cause of tooth decay.

Brush your teeth 2x per day

Don’t rush when you brush. Take your time to clean thoroughly.

Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Choose an electric or battery-operated toothbrush to reduce plaque and mild forms of gum disease more than manual brushing.

Practice brushing correctly by holding your toothbrush at a slight angle and aim the bristles where the tooth meets your gum. Brush back and forth gently continuously throughout your mouth. Be sure to brush the outside, inside and top of teeth as well as your tongue.

Keep your toothbrush clean by rinsing with water after usage. Store in an upright position and allow it to air dry until you use again. Keep away from other toothbrushes to avoid cross-contamination. To prevent a growth of bacteria, yeast or mold, do not cover with a closed container.

Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. If the bristles are frayed, worn, or irregular, replace sooner.


Floss Your Teeth
Why? To remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gum line before it hardens into tartar. Once tartar forms, only a professional cleaning can remove it.
Use about 18 inches of dental floss. Wrap most of the floss around the middle finger and index finger. Hold the floss tightly around each tooth in a "C" shape. Move it back and forth up and down between each tooth.
Gently guide the floss between your teether. Be careful not to "snap" the floss into the gums. When the floss reaches your gum line, curve it around the next tooth.
Make sure to use fresh floss around each tooth as you make your way around your teeth. Only floss between one tooth at a time.
Stay consistent with your flossing. If you find it hard to use dental floss, use an interdental cleaner such as a dental pick, pre-threat flosser, Waterpik or a wooden or silicone plaque remover.

Regular Visits To Your Dentist
Visit your dentist at least 2x per year for checkups and cleanings.

Think About What You Eat
Eat a balanced diet by limiting the amount of sugary and starchy foods you ingest.
Reduce regular snacking in between meals.

Other Tips
Consider using mouthwash containing fluoride
Do not use toothpicks or other harsh objects that could produce bacteria or injure your gums.

Visit Paducah Dental Care to learn more!