Making sure you visit the dentist at least twice a year for in-depth cleanings is an absolute must when it comes to your oral health, but there are a handful of other things you should do at home in-between these visits which are just as important. We all want to reap the benefits of excellent oral hygiene: a stunning white smile, straight teeth, fresh-smelling breath, and healthy gums. While some people are lucky enough to be born with these features, most of us have to work for them. Practicing good oral hygiene from an early age can go a long way in ensuring your teeth, gums, and mouth hold up to the test of time. However, as we get older it is not uncommon to fall off the wagon, so to speak, when it comes to oral hygiene.
This is why we thought it was a good time to go over some of our top oral hygiene tips to help you achieve a great smile. The holidays are a hectic time of year that cause many responsibilities and obligations to be put on the back burner – but your oral hygiene shouldn’t be one of them. Given the amount of sweets and sugar that are present this time of year, it is no wonder many people’s oral health suffer. We want to make sure that doesn’t happen to you and your family.
With that in mind, here is a look at our top dental hygiene tips that can be done at home:
- Make sure you are using the right toothbrush. Simply brushing your teeth isn’t enough; you must be using the right toothbrush. For most people, this means a soft-bristled multi-tufted toothbrush that has a head that is small enough to fit in your mouth comfortably. It is also important that you change your brush when the bristles start to get soft or worn – which happens about every three months or so.
- Don’t forget to floss! We know you’ve heard it before, but it is so important that we must mention it again. Flossing at least once a day is the absolute best way to remove plaque in places your brush cannot reach. Try to get in the routine of flossing before you brush either in the morning or at night, as this will make it much easier to remember to do.
- Brush the right Yes, that’s right, there is a wrong way to brush. When brushing your teeth, make sure the bristles are positioned at an angle and near the gum line. You should make contact with both the gum line and the tooth surface with each stroke. When cleaning the inside surfaces of the teeth, again hold the brush at an angle and repeat the back-and-forth, up-and-down motion.
- Remember the tongue. The human tongue is a hotspot for bacteria, which is why it is important that you are including it in your brushing regimen. Once you have hit all your teeth and gums, give the tongue – and the roof of your mouth – a good scrubbing. This will remove any leftover bacteria and leave your breath smelling nice and fresh.
These are just a few tips to help you get in the habit of properly caring for your teeth and gums in-between visits to our Las Colinas dental clinic. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve that pearly white smile you’ve always wished for!
