Family Dentistry Services

Dental Hygiene

Daily dental hygiene is one of the most important parts of dental care. Our team recommend making brushing and flossing a normal part of your day and encourage you to make these hygiene behaviors a habit. Check out our easy guide below or call Chelsea Family Dentistry at 205-678-2096 to schedule a visit with our dentist to learn more about dental hygiene in Chelsea, AL.

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Keep Your Smile Happy and Healthy

Proper brushing and flossing is crucial to maintaining good oral health. Brushing and flossing correctly helps you avoid a number of dental problems, including tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, halitosis (bad breath) and staining and discoloration of the teeth. Our dentist and team have provided some basic instructions on brushing and flossing for you here.

How to Brush

You should brush your teeth at least twice each day, using an ADA®-approved toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. The toothbrush should be soft bristled and have a small head. It is recommended that you switch out your toothbrush for a new one every three months. You may also want to consider using an electric toothbrush, as this appliance has proven to be highly effective at cleaning teeth.

When you brush your teeth, you should:

  1. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to where the gums and teeth meet
  2. Brush every surface of the tooth — the front, the back and the chewing surfaces
  3. Use small, circular motions to gently brush the front and back surfaces
  4. Use back-and-forth motions to brush the chewing surfaces
  5. Do not scrub or apply pressure
  6. Be sure to brush your tongue to remove fungi, food and debris

How to Floss

Flossing is an important part of your oral health routine. It cleans between the teeth and below the gumline, removing food and debris and preventing bacteria from accumulating in those areas and causing cavities and gum disease.

When you floss, we recommend that you:

  1. Use a piece of floss about 18 inches long
  2. Wrap one end around your middle finger on each hand until the hands are two to three inches apart
  3. Gently move the floss between the teeth toward the gumline
  4. Curve the floss in a C-shape around each individual tooth
  5. Move the floss up and down several times to remove plaque and debris between the teeth
  6. Do not pop the floss in and out or floss aggressively, as this could cut your gums

If you have questions about brushing or flossing, please speak with our dentist or hygiene team. We will be able to provide instructions on the best brushing and flossing techniques and recommend appropriate oral hygiene aids as needed. Contact us today to make your appointment!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

We recommend scheduling dental cleanings and exams every six months for optimal oral health. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits based on your specific needs.

Do you accept my insurance?

We work with a wide variety of dental insurance providers. Please contact our office or visit our Insurance & Payment page for a full list of accepted plans.

What should I expect during my first visit?

Your first visit typically includes a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and a discussion about your dental health goals. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan for you.

How often should I brush my teeth, and what is the proper technique?

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and an ADA-approved toothpaste. For the best results:

  • Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
  • Use gentle, circular motions to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
  • Don’t forget to brush the inside of your front teeth and your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended as they can efficiently remove plaque by simply guiding the brush while it works on multiple teeth at a time.

How often should I floss, and what is the correct way to do it?

You should floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and under the gumline, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Follow these steps for effective flossing:

  • Use about 12-16 inches of dental floss, wrapping it around your middle fingers, with 2 inches of floss between them.
  • Gently insert the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion.
  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth, sliding it up and down to clean the side of each tooth and below the gumline.

If you find regular floss difficult to use, floss holders are a helpful alternative.

How often should I schedule dental cleanings and exams?

It is generally recommended to schedule dental cleanings and exams every six months. Regular visits help prevent common issues like cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup. They also allow your dentist to catch potential problems early. However, depending on your oral health, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits. Always follow your dentist’s advice based on your individual needs.

Effective, reliable treatments for patients of all ages.

No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, our dentists and teams are here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps to better smiles.

Take some time to learn more about the services we provide at Chelsea Family Dentistry, P.C.. When you are ready to schedule an appointment with our dentists, contact our dental offices in Chelsea.

More Family Dentistry Services

Our experienced and caring team is dedicated to serving patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and providing top-notch oral health care for the entire family. We strive to make dental visits easy and stress-free for you and your loved ones. Our family-friendly atmosphere ensures that every member of your household feels comfortable and at ease during their dental appointments.

From routine check-ups and cleanings to preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments, we prioritize preventive care to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime. Should any dental concerns arise, our skilled dentists are equipped to deliver a wide range of services, including restorative treatments, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry.

Pediatric Dentistry
Dental Cleanings & Exams
Dental Sealants
Extractions
Fluoride Treatment
Night Guards
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sports Mouth Guards
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