Sacramento Dentist Offers Tips On Proper Oral Hygiene

SACRAMENTO, CA, April 12, 2013 (Press-News.org) Natomas and Sacramento dentist, Dr. Yen Lieu of Orchard Dental Group recently offered helpful guidelines to her patient's oral health care. "Maintaining the health of your teeth and gums is very important, but is not hard", she stated. "By following these simple guidelines you will protect not just your teeth but your health in general".

The first step in creating a good brushing routine is choosing the right toothbrush. With all the choices on the market today Dr. Lieu, dentist in Sacramento, understands it can be confusing and people wonder which toothbrush is the best. The answer is, the best toothbrush is the one that you find most comfortable. Any toothbrush that bears the ADA seal of approval is safe, so choose the one that you find fits your mouth the best.

The Sacramento, CA dentist agrees with the studies that suggest soft bristles are better than medium or hard bristled toothbrushes, which tend to irritate the gums and can actually cause damage. The choice of whether to use a manual or electric toothbrush is a personal one. Electric toothbrushes are good at keeping brushing fun for children, and some adults prefer them as well. Because electric toothbrushes are more expensive than traditional ones it comes down to a personal preference.

Tooth brushing technique is important. The brush should be held at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and moved in an up and down or circular motion-not horizontally. Ideally, teeth should be brushed 3 times daily but twice is still an accepted standard. All front and back tooth surfaces should be brushed, as well as the tongue, and care should be taken not to brush too rigorously, which can irritate the gums and tooth enamel.

While most people have no problem brushing their teeth twice a day, flossing is the "ugly stepsister" of dental care that tends to get neglected. But daily flossing is just as important as brushing. It's impossible to remove all of the plaque and tiny food particles that get trapped between the teeth by brushing alone, and when flossing is neglected that plaque can lead to tooth decay and/or gum disease.

Like toothbrushes, many types and varieties of dental floss exist. The type you choose depends on the spacing of your teeth and your personal preference. Some flosses are mint flavored or contain fluoride, some come in a spool and others in the form of disposable flossing picks. Use whatever kind you are most comfortable with. Flossing should be done every day, once a day, before brushing.

Besides brushing and flossing, diet plays another important role in maintaining a healthy dental hygiene regimen. Dr. Lieu, dentist in Sacramento, CA, recommends that fruit juices, sugary soft drinks and carbonated beverages be used in moderation, as sugar that sits on the teeth turns acidic and slowly erodes enamel. Sugary snacks that are sticky, such as gummy candies or jellybeans, are especially bad for the teeth as they encourage bacteria production.

A diet high in calcium is important for both strong bones and teeth. Milk, yogurt, fish and some green vegetables contain high amounts of calcium. Vitamin C is also essential to good overall health and helps fight off gingivitis. Finally, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables such as carrots, celery or apples acts as nature's toothbrush and helps scrape away plaque built up on tooth surfaces.

Dr. Lieu, Natomas dentist, suggests that anyone with any questions about dental hygiene contact her Sacramento, CA Dental office at 916-928-4444 where she will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

About Orchid Dental Group: Open since 2006, Orchid Dental Group is a solo general practice. Lead by Dr. Yen Lieu, Orchid Dental Group provides comprehensive dental services to patients of all ages. Dr. Lieu received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in Boston. While studying to become a dentist, Dr. Lieu became a certified hygienist and after graduating she continues her dedication to excellence. Each year she devotes a substantial portion of her time attending advanced continuing education courses. The Consumer's Research Council of America has recognized her as America's Top Dentists since 2003.

Media Contact:
Dr. Yen Lieu
contactus@orchiddentalgroup.com
2087 Arena Blvd. Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 928-4444
http://www.orchiddentalgroup.com