3 Best Practices for Dental Hygiene
Dentists are often the first line of defense against serious oral health complications, but they can’t do their job without your help. Here are 3 best practices for dental hygiene.
Brush at least twice a day.
Your first thought might be, “Yes, I brush my teeth twice a day.” But do you really? If you think about it, the answer may surprise you.
Do you brush your teeth after every meal? Do you remember to floss daily (or at all)? As dental hygiene practitioners ourselves, we know that some patients find it hard to fit in basic oral hygiene practices between their busy schedules. That’s why we’re here: to help remind our patients of their responsibilities and get them into the habit of good oral health care for life!
Floss at least once a day.
Flossing is the most effective way to remove plaque from between your teeth. Plaque buildup on the surface of your teeth can lead to cavities, so it’s important to remove it regularly. In fact, flossing is often recommended as part of a daily oral hygiene routine.
If you’re using dental floss or another type of manual interdental cleaner, choose one that’s soft and flexible enough for you to easily navigate around your mouth without harming your gums or damaging any exposed roots. Dentists recommend using waxed nylon floss since it doesn’t break easily while removing plaque from beneath brackets or other fixed appliances in your mouth—it also helps prevent damage caused by overzealous toothbrushing!
If you’re not a fan of traditional dental floss (or if you have difficulty using it), alternative products like interdental brushes may be a better choice for keeping those hard-to-reach spaces clean and healthy!
Keep your toothbrush clean.
● Use a toothbrush holder or stand to keep your toothbrush upright and at an angle that promotes drying.
● Rinse your brush with hot water after brushing, making sure to remove all toothpaste residue as well as any food particles (and food particles often get stuck in the bristles).
● Store your brush out in the open air—not packed away where it could become moldy or develop bacteria growths.
Practice good brushing, flossing and using mouthwash to keep your mouth healthy.
Now that you’ve learned the basics of dental hygiene, it’s time to put them into practice.
Here are some tips on how to keep your mouth healthy:
● Brush twice a day for two minutes each time. This is the most effective way of removing plaque and preventing tooth decay—and if you’ve got kids, brushing after meals will help with their oral health as well!
● Floss once a day for two minutes or more. You’ll want to floss after every meal if possible; otherwise, at least do it once per day before bedtime. Your dentist may even recommend using an electric flosser which makes this process easier and less time-intensive than traditional flossing.
● Use mouthwash daily (particularly after eating). A good mouthwash will help eliminate bad breath by killing bacteria in the mouth but be careful not to overdo it—too much alcohol can dry out your gums and cause sensitivity over time! If possible, choose a non-alcoholic formula instead – these tend to have better ingredients overall such as fluoride which helps strengthen tooth enamel while keeping gums healthy too.”
Remember, a clean mouth is a healthy one. By adopting these habits, you’re ensuring that your teeth are strong and healthy for years to come!
Contact us to schedule an appointment for all your dentistry needs! We look forward to creating a better smile for you!