Test Your Dental Hygiene Knowledge

Orthodontic Treatment in South Florida: October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and before the month is over, take some time to brush up on dental care tips and techniques. Maintaining good dental hygiene in Miami can keep up the health of your teeth, mouth, and contribute to better overall health. Practicing a good oral care routine can help you avoid invasive fillings and root canals, and can prevent the need for extensive dental work like crowns, and bridges in the future.

Brushing your teeth is one of those things you do every morning before leaving for school or work, and you’re probably in a hurry when doing so. A lifetime of brushing may have made you an expert on how to brush, but many people actually aren’t brushing correctly.

How many minutes does it take to properly brush your teeth?

1. 1 minute
2. 2 minutes
3. 3 minutes
4. Until they feel clean

If you chose option b, you’ve got it right. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for a total of two minutes, each time you brush. That works out to about four seconds per tooth. You want to make sure that your teeth are fully clean, and brushing for two minutes — instead of for one minute or less — is more effective in reducing plaque and preventing tartar.

What ingredient should you look for in your toothpaste?

1. Calcium
2. Zinc
3. Fluoride
4. Mint flavor

If you want to best prevent cavities, you’ll want your toothpaste to contain fluoride. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste keeps your teeth clean and can mean the need for fewer fillings in your lifetime. The American Dental Association recommends the use of fluoride toothpaste and to check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on your favorite dental care products.

According to the ADA, braces can help improve:

1. The look of your smile
2. Your dental health
3. Your ability to bite and chew
4. All of the above

While everyone knows braces can make your teeth look great, the correct answer is option 4, all of the above. Getting orthodontic treatment in South Florida can improve not only the look of your teeth but can also correct other bite issues so that your teeth look and function their best.

At the offices of Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics, we offer a variety of orthodontic services and procedures for patients of all ages in Miami and Broward County. If you are considering getting braces for yourself or for your child, Insignia Advanced Smile Design braces may be right for you. These braces are customized to fit your teeth using the latest dental technology and can allow for shorter treatment times and fewer office visits.

Your dental health is important to us at the friendly offices of Dr. Maria Yazji, DDS. Make an appointment at our Miami, Brickell or Weston office location for an Insignia Advanced Smile Design consultation with Dr. Yazji, or to see if another one of our services is best for you. Keeping your teeth clean with good dental hygiene and straightening your smile with braces from Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics can help you get your best smile.