Many of Dr. Stephen Ratcliff’s patients walk in for family dentistry, restorative dentistry, or cosmetic dentistry. Many for routine checkups and cleanings. Most really want to know if they are brushing properly. Having patients come for treatment and leave with questions answered – from which toothpaste to buy to proper tools and techniques – is our business. At Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry we are all about educating our patients. Sometimes life is as easy as 1-2-3.
1 Soft Bristle Toothbrush
Gentle brushing will accomplish the same results as hard bristle brushing without the abrasive damage to gums and gum line. There is never a good reason to use hard or medium bristle toothbrushes. Better yet, wet the soft bristle toothbrush to be sure the bristles are pliable before brushing.
2 Minutes of Brushing and Flossing
Split the mouth into fourths and spend a good 30 seconds in each quarter. Hit the chewing surfaces, the inside surfaces, the outside surfaces and gently massage the gums. Be sure to address the far side of the back tooth that is never visible but can collect food and allow decay to begin. Take two minutes to floss after brushing in the evening to remove any remnants the toothbrush couldn’t coax out and to clean any beginning buildup. You have approximately 32 teeth and 32 gaps to floss clean. Two minutes should do the trick, but adding an extra minute for good measure can’t hurt.
3 Times a Day
Brushing after every meal should remain the goal. This is difficult for many who are not home for the midday meal. To achieve awesome dental hygiene, brushing is priority one. There are as many toothpaste choices out there as you have teeth; without consistent brushing and flossing, those teeth are facing sure destruction. Don’t misunderstand, toothpaste is vital. Toothpaste acts as the vehicle that collects the debris, keeps the bristles pliable, fluoridates the mouth, freshens the breath and a myriad of other side jobs. But after every meal, gently removing food debris prevents breakdown on precious tooth surfaces. Even if you don’t use toothpaste after lunch, a quick brush can keep your teeth free of buildup.
Available in 1, 2, 3 Ways
Call 817-274-7875
or
Visit 909 W Mitchell St in Arlington, TX 76013
or
See us online at https://www.myarlingtoncosmeticdentist.com/meet-dr-ratcliff/
Here at Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry we understand that nature has dealt crooked teeth, sensitive teeth, and weak teeth to many patients throughout the Grand Prairie, Arlington, and Mansfield communities. When you schedule an appointment to communicate with Dr. Ratcliff, you will be advised on ways to fix your smile.
We provide our patients with the following services and many more: Invisalign clear braces, teeth whitening, dentures, porcelain veneers, and dental implants. Schedule a consultation at our office at 909 W Mitchell St in Arlington, Texas 76013 to ask about Invisalign braces, dental implants, veneers, teeth whitening, white fillings or the cost of dental procedures. We are dedicated to providing answers. Call 817-274-7875 today.
