While most of us strive to maintain a healthy home dental care routine, we can all fall into bad habits like to taking shortcuts when it comes to brushing and flossing.
It is always good to brush up on the best oral hygiene practices, such as:
There is a Right Way to Brush Your Teeth
The American Dental Association recommends holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums while you use short back and forth strokes across the sides and tops of your teeth.
For the backs of your teeth, hold the brush vertically and use several shorter strokes with a special focus on the anterior (front) teeth where plaque builds up often. Brush for a solid two minutes to ensure proper coverage and cleaning.
Additionally, choose a toothbrush whose head and bristles are small enough to navigate the hard to reach areas, including the crevices of your molars, where food debris often remains. Look for the ADA seal on both your toothpaste and toothbrush.
Keep your Toothbrush Clean
Rinse your tooth brush with hot water after use and allow it to air dry. This is especially important for those with periodontal disease as oral bacteria can be released into the bloodstream where it can affect other parts of your body. You should also change your toothbrush every three months both for cleanliness and to make sure the bristles are effective.
Floss Properly
There is a technique to proper flossing. Use a piece of floss up to 18 inches in length, using a fresh area of floss for every tooth to prevent re-depositing bacteria. The floss should rub against the teeth in a motion that creates a forward or backward 'C' shape, wrapping the floss around each tooth. If flossing is difficult, interdental brushes are a great alternative and easier for some people to use.
Use a Mouthwash, Rinse, and Tongue Scraper
Washes and rinses get into crevices that are especially vulnerable and help combat the effects of decay causing bacteria. Tongue scrapers remove oral bacteria from the tongue, which a toothbrush might not have cleaned effectively. There are a wide variety of rinses available to meet the needs of individuals with diverse dental issues. Be sure to look for the ADA seal on these products as well.
Make Healthy Choices
When it comes to snacking, be mindful of the effect your choice is having on the health of your smile. Brush, or at least rinse your mouth with water, after eating sweets. When drinking acidic beverages, rinse immediately and then brush after 30 minutes. This prevents any acid-worn enamel from being brushed away.
Proper oral hygiene should be part everyone’s daily routine. By following these dental tips, you can ensure you're doing your best to keep your mouth healthy and beautiful.
If you want to do more to maintain your smile’s appeal and function, call Southland Dental in Anaheim today!