Oral Hygiene at Newton Smile Centre

An adult and a child in white t-shirts are standing in front of a mirror, flossing their teeth together—promoting healthy habits recommended by Newton dentists.

Good oral hygiene is more than just brushing your teeth. It’s about maintaining a regimen. Your oral hygiene appointments can aid us in early detection of oral cancer and other dental issues, provide us with an opportunity to remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup, and to discuss how your lifestyle can affect your oral health, including everyday habits like choosing the right toothpaste.

Book My Appointment Online

Prevention & Technology

Checkups & Cleanings

Oral Hygiene Instruction

TMJ & Bruxism Therapy

Fluoride Treatments

Oral Cancer Screening

Dental X-Rays

Soft Tissue Laser Treatment

How to maintain a good oral hygiene care regimen:

Brush your teeth at least two times each day using fluoride toothpaste. The frequency of how much you brush and how you brush is important. Take the time to try to remove all the plaque from your teeth by brushing in circular motions and don’t skip out on your tongue. It doesn’t matter how tired you are either. And at the end of the day, always brush before bed.
Floss helps to remove plaque and prevents future buildup, which can lead to excess tartar on your teeth. If you suffer from bleeding gums, don’t be afraid to floss … the floss won’t make your gums worse. In fact, flossing helps gums and will likely reduce the bleeding in time.
Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash once a day. Mouthwash helps fight plaque, which can turn into hardened tartar, so daily rinsing is good for your oral hygiene. Another benefit is whiter teeth. Some mouthwashes have low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, which causes a little bit of bleaching and doesn't hurt your gums.
Eat healthy foods and avoid sugary treats. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria. These bacteria in your mouth need sugar (such as carbohydrates) from foods and drinks to produce acids that damage your teeth. Sugary beverages can significantly contribute to tooth decay. Make sure you eat fresh, crunchy vegetables that provide healthy fiber.
Schedule regular dental visits. Visit us at least two times a year (or more, depending on your own personal treatment plan) for professional cleanings and checkups. We’ll be able to do deep cleanings, spot potential issues, and offer treatment solutions.
Eliminate tobacco Nobody wants a smile that’s dull or discolored, and smoking does exactly that. Not to mention it also leaves you with smoker’s breath.

How to maintain a good oral hygiene care regimen:

If you answer “no” to any of the following, see if you can change your routine or habits. Ask us for help!

I brush for 2 minutes at least twice a day. Yes or no?
When if comes to flossing, I do it at least once a day. Yes or no?
If I notice something is stuck in my teeth, I take a moment to floss it out. Yes or no?
I use a tongue scraper daily. Yes or no?
I regularly use a mouthwash recommended by my hygienist or dentist. Yes or no?
Usually sugar and treats are eaten at meal time. Yes or no?
Avoiding soda is high on my to-do list. Yes or no?
I do not have a tobacco habit. Correct or no, you use tobacco?
I am really good at keeping to my dental recare regimen. Yes or no?

Hygiene services begin here, but they must always be followed by proper brushing, flossing, and healthy eating at home.
If you’re not sure how, call us at (617) 928-9299 today or ask your dentist or hygienist during your next visit to Newton Smile Centre.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Walid Benaissa, DMD

About the Reviewer: Dr. Walid Benaissa, DMD

Doctorate of Dental Medicine, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (2004)
Advanced training via the Maxicourse at NYU College of Dentistry — occlusion, implant restoration, full-mouth reconstruction
Member: American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society, American Academy of Group Dental Practices, The Dawson Academy
Founder of Newton Smile Centre (2010)

About the Reviewer: Dr. Talar Kiladjian, DMD

Doctorate of Dental Medicine, Boston University School of Dental Medicine
Master's in Oral Health Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine
Certified Invisalign provider; trained in CEREC same-day restorative technology
Member: American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society

Ready to Start the Conversation?

Whether you have a question about a treatment or you're ready to schedule, our team at Newton Smile Centre is here to help. We treat every patient like family and will walk you through your options.

Call (617) 928-9299 Book My Appointment Online