Even at a young age, we have all been told how important our daily dental routine can be. Brush your teeth, floss, and don’t forget the mouth wash! As children, this can seem like a difficult task and in adulthood it can be pushed aside for busy mornings and exhausted evenings. These tips can help you make the most of your dental hygiene routine.
Tips to Improve Your Dental Hygiene
1. Use A Recommended Toothbrush
The type of toothbrush you are using in your routine can make all the difference. Most dentists suggest using an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are known for making it easier to remove plaque buildup. However, manual and electric toothbrushes are equally as effective when used properly. If you prefer the feel of a manual toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles and aim the bristles toward the junction of your gum tissue to your tooth for best results. Remember to be gentle with brushing and don’t brush aggressively, too hard, or too fast! Two minutes in the morning and at night is a good rule of thumb.
2. Floss at the Right Time
We are all told how important flossing our teeth can be, but it is often the most overlooked task in the oral hygiene routine. Flossing helps remove up to 40% of the plaque and debris that brushing alone cannot. When flossing, whether using the string or the pick, create a c-shape to wrap floss around the tooth and be sure to reach far enough to clean near and under the gums. Again, be careful not to push too far or use too much pressure. After flossing, be sure to properly rinse your mouth. Flossing can dislodge debris and other buildup. Not rinsing leaves the buildup to sit in your mouth. For this reason, flossing can be done before brushing, or after brushing if you finish rinsing with mouthwash.
3. Keep a Toothbrush Handy
Brushing your teeth in the morning and before bed is what’s recommended but keeping a toothbrush somewhere handy can make a huge difference. It can help you avoid bad breath and buildup throughout the day. You can keep one in your office desk, backpack, purse, or car to have when needed. Be sure it’s properly stored and covered to keep it clean. This can allow you to brush after messy or smelly meals and keep your teeth sparkling clean.
4. Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Mouth
While most tooth brushing tips focus on brushing your actual teeth, you don’t want to forget the rest of your mouth. Proper oral hygiene requires taking care of your whole mouth. Your tongue can be home to a lot of bacteria and is one of the main sources of bad breath, or halitosis. Taking time to brush your tongue can help kill bacteria and prevent bad breath. There are specific tools called tongue scrapers that will help you achieve good results as compared to using a toothbrush. Your gums are also important, and you should take care to brush at a 45-degree angle to properly clean plaque away. Mouthwash can be a great way to prevent plaque and kill bacteria. Use a toothpaste or mouthwash with fluoride to help protect teeth and clean your mouth.
At Fulton Family Dentistry we know how hard it can be to keep your dental routine fun and simple. We hope these tips will help you keep your smile bright. Of course, we are always here to help with all your dental needs from preventative care to emergency visits and more.