So, you brush your teeth and floss. No big deal, right? Wrong. There is so much more you can add to your oral hygiene routine to ensure that you are giving your teeth and gums the best chance for great health.
Maintaining a healthy mouth is important for your oral health - and your overall health. Without having a successful daily dental routine, you may be susceptible to things like tooth decay and gum disease.
Here are 7 tips to perfect your daily dental routine.
- Time Your Brushing
One of the basic rules of oral hygiene is to brush your teeth. We all know it - and we all think we know how to do it - brushing at the gumline first, the outside of the teeth, inside, molars, and tongue. But brushing enough is key. Throwing some toothpaste on your toothbrush and brushing over all your teeth - even getting the back teeth - is great. But you aren’t done until you have continued actively brushing for at least two minutes.
If you need to, count it out, play your favorite song, or use a timer on your phone. Do this at least twice per day.
- Flossing Properly
Flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to caring for your teeth and gums. You want to make sure that you are flossing daily - and doing so correctly. That means using about 18 inches of floss and winding it around a finger on each hand. Then, keeping it tight, slide the floss in between your teeth, always using a clean section as you do. Be sure to get it to the gum line - and beneath it.
The more you floss, the more natural it will become. Floss at least once per day.
- Don’t Ignore Your Tongue
Your tongue is different from your teeth and gums, but it does sit up against them all day. This means you will need to give it some attention too during your daily oral hygiene routine. You may want to purchase a tongue scraper to clean your tongue. Or, most toothbrushes you buy today come with a scraper on the back. This is helpful to remove bacteria - and it cleanses the breath, too. Consider using this every time you brush your teeth or at least once per day.
- Use Mouthwash
Including mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene routine can help improve things quite a bit. There are many nooks and crevices around your mouth that brushing and flossing just may miss despite your effort. Look for an antibacterial mouthwash that has the ADA seal of acceptance on the label. There are many different types to choose from so if you aren’t sure what mouthwash is the best fit for your needs, talk to your dentist.
- Reduce Your Sugar Consumption
Sugar can increase your risk of cavities regardless of the form it comes in. Whether it is sugary soda or fruit juice, cupcakes, candies, or even some alcoholic beverages – let it go. Here’s what happens. When you consume sugar, the bacteria in your mouth throw a party. They feed on it and create acids that can lead to bacterial infections. Tooth decay can easily appear.
- Don’t Start Bad Habits
To keep your good oral hygiene routine working for you, you need to not allow bad habits to take over. That means don’t start smoking, getting piercings that interfere with your mouth, clenching or grinding your teeth, chewing on pen caps, biting your nails, and more.
Take care when it comes to your teeth - and protect them from things you know are harmful. Letting your guard down even just a little bit could leave your oral health dealing with the consequences down the road.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Routine visits to the dentist for cleanings and exams are important for your oral health. The professional cleaning will address areas you may be missing and the exam can allow your dentist to get a look at how well your efforts are paying off. Any areas of concern can be handled promptly before turning into a bigger problem.
This is a great time to discuss your oral hygiene routine, ask for pointers, and inform your dentist of any issues you may have noticed, such as bleeding gums, lumps, ulcers, and more. You should routinely see your dentist every 6 months.
Achieve Superior Oral Health at Fabey Dental
The dental team at Fabey Dental wants nothing but the best for their patients. From teaching the basics of oral hygiene to performing cleanings, exams, restorations, and more - patients have an opportunity to achieve superior oral health.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us at 610-810-2704 Or, request an appointment online.