Importance of a Maintaining a Healthy Mouth

If you maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine, it results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means your teeth are clean and free of debris, your gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss, and bad breath is not a constant problem. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists and their team of hygienists take pride in teaching proper oral hygiene techniques to patients. Additionally, they will point out areas of your mouth that may require extra attention while brushing and flossing at home.  

Taking good care of your mouth – teeth and gums – does more than help ensure you have a bright, white, smile. The mouth is the doorway to our body and its first line of defense. It performs essential functions than any other part of the body. Good oral hygiene and oral health can improve your overall health, reduce the risk of serious disease and perhaps even preserve your memory in your golden years. When your mouth is unhealthy, your body will feel the effects in many ways and your health, in general, will suffer. In between regular visits to the dentist, you should be brushing thoroughly twice a day, flossing daily, eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals, as well as using dental products that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

If you have questions about dental health or oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Are You Cleaning Your Tongue?

Keeping your mouth clean is vital to your oral and overall health. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY want to make sure our patients are doing all they can to maintain a healthy mouth. If you are not brushing your tongue already, read on to find out why you should!

The tongue is filled with those tiny taste buds that can collect and hang on to bacteria and debris. Just like how a layer of plaque can form on teeth, a film of bacteria can also form on the tongue. It can contribute to more cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

To clean your tongue, you just need a simple toothbrush. You can use the same toothbrush you use to brush your teeth. Some patients prefer to use a tongue scraper, which is also fine. Take the toothbrush or scraper and place it at the back of your tongue. Press down firmly and drag the toothbrush down your tongue to the tip. Keeping doing this until your tongue looks clean. Rinse off the toothbrush with each stroke. You should brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.

To learn more about dental hygiene or to schedule your exam and cleaning, call The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com. 

How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Teeth?

Pregnancy can cause numerous emotional and physical changes, even in your mouth. The primary changes are due to a surge in hormones – particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone – that can cause your gum tissues to exaggerate a normal reaction to plaque. With proper hygiene at home as well as professional help from The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, your teeth should remain healthy throughout pregnancy.

Pregnancy can lead to dental problems in some women, including gum disease and increased risk of tooth decay. Pregnancy does not automatically damage your teeth, but so-called “pregnancy gingivitis” affects most pregnant women to some extent, and it generally begins to surface as early as the second month. It’s important to visit us during pregnancy for checkups and cleanings, along with brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing.

Pay attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If you notice any changes, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.