The Bellport Village Dentist: Invest in yourself; invest in your smile

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by Dr. Joseph P Graskemper

The Bellport Village Dentist

One of the best investments you can make in yourself is your smile. A smile says a lot about you. It makes you and others feel good.

A beautiful smile makes you feel great and look great.

One of the easiest ways to make a smile great is to invest a little time and effort on your teeth. Just brushing and flossing properly can greatly enhance a smile that’s just waiting to be seen.

To brush properly, you need to start with a good soft brush and good toothpaste with fluoride. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, where the gum tissue meets the tooth.

Using short, gentle (very little pressure) back and forth motion, brush the outside of the front and back teeth and inside the back teeth.

For the inside of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically using an up and down motion, making sure you get the brush all the way to the gum line. Now brush the chewing surfaces of all the teeth.

Finally, brush your tongue lightly. A couple of quick swipes will do. After rinsing, you’re ready to floss. Take about 18 inches of floss and wrap the ends around your middle fingers until you have 3-4 inches between them.

Then using your index fingers and/or thumbs stretch the floss tight so only about 1 inch is left between the fingers and/or thumbs. This is the part that goes between the teeth. Slide the floss down tight next to the tooth under the gum line and gently go up and down a couple of times.

Then up and over the tissue between the teeth and up and down the next tooth. That’s it! You’ll get better and faster with practice.  Don’t forget to see your dentist at least twice a year.

To make your smile the best is can be, call Dr. Graskemper, The Bellport Village Dentist, for an exam and professional cleaning at 631-286-4243 or visit them online at bellportvillagedentist.com.

This information was provided by Dr. Joseph P. Graskemper.

Photo by Pam Sharpe on Unsplash