General and Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Moezinia
Oral Hygiene
Empowering Your Smile Starts at Home
At Empower Your Smile, we believe the most beautiful smiles are built on strong habits. Daily oral hygiene is your first—and most powerful—line of defense against gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. We’re here to guide you every step of the way with personalized advice and gentle encouragement.
Why Is Oral Hygiene So Important?
It may surprise you, but gum disease—not cavities—is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults over 35. In fact, nearly 75% of adults will experience some form of periodontal disease in their lifetime.
Both gum disease and decay begin with plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and along your gum line. If it’s not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar and leads to inflammation, infection, and bone loss.
Healthy oral habits protect more than just your teeth—they support your overall well-being, too.
How to Brush Properly
We recommend brushing at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Technique matters just as much as frequency.
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Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
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Use gentle, circular strokes to clean the front, back, and biting surfaces of your teeth.
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For front teeth, turn your brush vertically and use short strokes up and down.
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Don’t forget to gently brush your gum line and rinse thoroughly afterward.
Pro tip: Use a mirror to watch your technique and make sure you’re not missing any spots.
How to Floss the Right Way
Flossing removes plaque and food particles between teeth—where your toothbrush can’t reach.
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Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapped around your middle fingers.
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Gently slide the floss between your teeth in a C-shape, hugging one tooth at a time.
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Don’t snap the floss; move it carefully below the gum line.
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Use a fresh section for each tooth and rinse when finished.
A little bleeding is common when you’re just starting out. Stick with it—your gums will get healthier as plaque is removed consistently.
Caring for Sensitive Teeth
If your teeth feel sensitive to temperature or brushing after dental treatment, it’s usually temporary—especially when your oral hygiene is strong. Keep your teeth clean, and talk to us if sensitivity persists. We may recommend a specialized toothpaste or fluoride rinse to help.
Choosing the Right Oral Care Products
The oral care aisle can feel overwhelming. Here’s what we suggest:
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Electric toothbrushes (like Rotadent or Interplak) are highly effective.
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Oral irrigators are great for rinsing, but must be used with brushing and flossing.
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Fluoride toothpaste and rinses reduce decay by up to 40%.
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Anti-plaque rinses approved by the ADA can help control early gum disease.
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Tartar control toothpaste helps above the gum line, but doesn’t replace brushing or clean under the gums.
We’re always happy to help you choose the best tools based on your specific needs.
Why You Still Need Professional Cleanings
Even with perfect brushing and flossing, some tartar will still build up over time—especially below the gum line. That’s where we come in.
Routine professional cleanings help us:
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Remove hardened plaque from hard-to-reach areas
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Evaluate your gum health
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Detect early signs of disease or decay
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Keep your smile polished, fresh, and healthy
Preventative care at home plus professional care in-office is the formula for keeping your teeth for life.
Let’s Keep Your Smile Radiant
Great oral hygiene is the key to long-term dental health—and we’re here to support you. Whether you need guidance on products, technique tips, or it’s time for your next professional cleaning, our team is ready to help.
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SERVING: Tribeca, NYC - Manhattan, NYC- The 5 Boroughs, NYC
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