Regular oral hygiene is a foundational pillar of maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. But oral hygiene isn’t always so cut-and-dry, and sometimes we have questions about how to properly care for our teeth. One question that comes up often is whether or not you’re supposed to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth: are you meant to rinse out all of that excess toothpaste, or is it better to just leave it be? Here’s what your dentist in Orange Park wants you to know about rinsing after brushing and why you should maybe consider reevaluating your own habit.

If your gums bleed and feel irritated whenever you brush your teeth, there’s a good chance that you could be suffering from periodontal (gum) disease. That said, maybe you’re familiar with gum disease and have heard all about the serious havoc it can wreak inside your mouth if left unchecked. But is everything you’ve heard about it actually true? Keep reading as your dentist in Orange Park busts four of the most common myths surrounding gum disease.