Dentist shares practical tips for better oral hygiene on Upper Michigan Today

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – Good oral hygiene is the foundation of a healthy smile, and understanding the best practices for dental care can make all the difference.

Dr. Gwendolyn Buck, DDS of Northern Trails Dental Care was featured on Upper Michigan Today to share insights into maintaining oral health. From choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste to picking the safe snacks that won’t erode your teeth, check out Friday’s episode for a healthier, brighter smile.

But first, Elizabeth Peterson and Tia Trudgeon look into the history of the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse.

Now, back to proper dental care…

Visiting the dentist once yearly is sufficient for those who never miss a teeth-brushing and floss regularly.

Otherwise, Dr. Buck recommends you visit your dentist for cleaning and preventative care every six months.

She says a common mistake she sees in patients is their frequency of brushing and flossing and the overuse of whitening toothpaste.

There are a number of tools, in addition to dental floss, that you can use to clean between your teeth.

Dr. Buck breaks down the differences between various toothbrush styles and cleaning products.

Certain aspects of dentistry are changing, like how you might receive dentures or X-rays.

A visit to your dentist could be your first step in treating sleep apnea.

Dr. Buck explains how dentists work with physicians to develop a treatment plan and an oral device for you to sleep with.

For the healthiest, brightest smile, you should brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time.

Dr. Buck recommends limiting your use of whitening toothpaste to a couple of times a week. She also says to avoid charcoal whitening products as they’re abrasive and can damage your enamel.

You should also be mindful of what you’re eating, as certain snacks like crackers may have a sneakily high amount of sugar.

And finally, Elizabeth and Tia say farewell to Upper Michigan Today’s summer intern Jason Coulter.

Northern Trails Dental Care is located at 271 E M-35 in Gwinn.

You can visit its website at northertrailsdentalcare.com to learn more about Dr. Buck’s practice and to schedule an appointment.

You can watch Upper Michigan Today on weekdays at 9:00 a.m. on FOX UP or stream the show on your smart device with the TV6+ app.

Copyright 2024 WLUC. All rights reserved.