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Dr. Nichols Nelson, DDS is a top-rated dentist on dentalinsider.com

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February 27,2019 Anonymous Dr. Nelson is great and so is his assistant, minimal discomfort and excellent service.

February 24,2019 Carolyn M.  Thanks for being so great with kids.

February 23,2019 Lynette T.  A big shout out to Mandy...best "teeth cleaner" ever!!!

January 28,2019 John U.  Awesome staff!

January 25,2019 Mark W. Everyone was friendly and professional.

December 16,2018 Sherry F, Always happy to see you guys. Personable and professional service.

November 23,2018 Gerald H. Everybody who provided service to me, receptionist, dental assistant, dentist were outstanding!! Would highly recommend to anyone!!

October 31,2018 Therese D. Everyone is always so friendly and welcoming. I wouldn't change a thing with the experience I've had.

To Prevent Tooth Decay, Practice Effective Brushing and Flossing

By Woodland Dental Group
April 29, 2016
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral hygiene  
ToPreventToothDecayPracticeEffectiveBrushingandFlossing

There are two basic facts about tooth decay: 1) next to the common cold, it’s the world’s most prevalent infectious disease; and 2) with modern dentistry, it’s preventable.

Getting from Fact 1 to Fact 2 requires the daily hygiene habits of brushing and flossing. You probably learned these tasks when you could barely peer over the bathroom sink; but the real question is: are you getting the most benefit from your efforts? It’s not merely doing them, but doing them the right way.

For example, bearing down on your teeth and brushing vigorously isn’t just unhelpful, it’s damaging. Instead, you should hold your brush with perhaps just two fingers at a 45-degree angle relative to your gum line and “gently” scrub with short circular or “wiggly” strokes. Continue this action around each arch brushing all tooth surfaces, which should take about two minutes.

Your toothbrush itself is also important: most people (unless otherwise directed by their dentist) should use a multi-tufted brush with soft bristles. If you brush with the proper pressure it should last 4 to 6 months before replacing it. You should also replace it if the bristles become worn or splayed.

Flossing once a day is important for removing the plaque between teeth your toothbrush bristles can’t reach. The best technique is to form a “C” with the floss that wraps around each tooth and move it up and down gently three or four times until you hear a squeaky clean sound on both sides of the tooth.

The ultimate test of your efforts comes during your regular dental checkups. You can get a check now, though, on how you’re doing by using your tongue to feel your teeth at the gum line. If they feel smooth and slick, you’re probably doing a good job of plaque removal; but if they feel a bit rough and gritty, you’re missing some of the plaque and need to be more thorough when brushing. You can also use floss by running it up and down the tooth surface — if it squeaks, they’re clean!

Your particular dental condition may require specific treatment or the use of other dental products like antibacterial mouthrinses. But learning and practicing proper brushing and flossing is key to keeping teeth and gums healthy and disease-free.

If you would like more information on proper oral hygiene, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.