This 8-part series provides an in-depth look at seven different habits, addictions and behaviors that are deadly to your oral health.

Welcome back to our 8-part extravaganza on the different habits, behaviors and addictions that are deadly to your good oral health. In our introductory article, Norwalk dental implants specialists - people who really understand tooth loss and the various factors that cause it - discussed what the average mouth looks like under the microscope and that, at any given moment, it is teeming with bacteria. No matter how often you brush or floss, you will never be able to completely eliminate these organisms, but this is not necessarily a bad thing! Most of the bacteria in your mouth is good for you and even helps to fight the good fight against the bad species of bacteria. But, when people neglect to look after their teeth and gums properly, both kinds of bacteria are allowed to multiply unchecked and that’s when potentially disastrous problems begin to develop.

Deadly Dental Sin # 1: Neglecting Oral Hygiene The portrait of the average American is of one who showers every day and spends time and money on his or her appearance. They even perhaps suffer from a touch of germ phobia by refusing to touch staircase rails and carrying an anti-bacterial hand gel in their bags. And yet, the very same people, who would baulk at the idea of not showering for a week, do not take the essential steps required to maintain good oral hygiene. For a population that generally takes a stand against germs, we certainly do allow our mouths to be a bacterial playground! “Brushing your teeth twice a day is simply not enough,” explain New York dental implants specialists. “Everybody should be brushing two to three times a day AND flossing.”

Flossing is an activity that is done by few people and yet, unless you are using a similar technology such as a Waterpik®, it is essential for keeping the narrow gaps between your teeth free of food debris, bacteria and plaque. Not flossing is like showering without soap and a sponge: you aren’t removing as much dirt and germs as you could be. A Good Oral Hygiene Routine Looks Like:

• You should brush your teeth three times a day, after meals. • Brush for at least two minutes at a time. • You should floss your teeth before you go to bed at night, every night. • Rinse with an ADA-approved anti-bacterial mouthwash to complement your routine, but it should

never replace a brush. • Visit the dental hygienist for a professional cleaning twice a year.

Other Important Tips Include:

• Make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride. • Wait about 30 minutes after a meal for the PH levels in your mouth to neutralize before you brush your

teeth. Acid softens dental enamel, so if you brush immediately it could lead to faster erosion. • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months and immediately if you’ve recently suffered a cold,

flu or other viral infection. • Don’t store your toothbrush in an airtight container as the moist environment encourages bacterial

growth. • Do store your toothbrush in an aired cabinet or upright somewhere away from a flushing toilet.

If you aren’t brushing and flossing regularly and thoroughly, you are committing deadly dental sin # 1! Stay Tuned for Part 3 Stay tuned for the third installment of this 8-part article series in which Norwalk dental implants specialists discuss the number two transgression against oral health: tobacco use.