In the busyness of life, your oral hygiene routine may not be a priority for you. But, maintaining your beautiful smile only takes a few minutes out of your day, and having a well-rounded dental routine is going to be key to strong, healthy teeth. Many studies have found that poor dental health directly correlates to many illnesses in the future. Our team at Clock Tower Dental has gathered some basic oral hygiene tips to help improve your everyday dental routine!
Brushing
Brushing is the foundation of oral hygiene and was probably the first dental care regimen you learned as a child. As you’ve grown older, this has likely become second nature and you aren’t brushing as diligently as you should be. Take a look below at some helpful tips to regain your stellar brushing habits!
Find The Right Toothbrush
There are numerous brands and styles of toothbrushes on the market. While trial and error is one way to find out what type you prefer, this can be expensive and you may not know which dental products to choose. To narrow down your search, determine which bristle you favor, whether you want manual or electric, and what handle fits your grip just right!
Replace It Regularly
It is recommended to replace your toothbrush every three to four months because the bristles wear down and do not clean as effectively. With electric toothbrushes, it may tell you when to replace the head but if it doesn’t, stick to the same time frame as a normal one. There are a few exceptions to remember for replacing your toothbrush sooner. If you have been sick, the bristles are especially worn down, or if anyone else accidentally used your toothbrush by mistake then you should get a new one immediately.
Be Thorough While Brushing
Everyone knows that they should be brushing twice a day every day. In addition to this well-known rule, you should have also been taught proper brushing techniques. Unfortunately, each person brushes their teeth differently and not everyone uses an adequate method. Check out this detailed guide on how to correctly brush your teeth!
Flossing
If you aren’t flossing, then 40% of each tooth is not getting cleaned. Flossing is crucial for preventing cavities and keeping your gums healthy. Below are some flossing tips and tricks to improve your oral hygiene regimen!
Use Proper Technique
Understanding the best technique for flossing will greatly improve the effectiveness. Between traditional floss, WaterPiks, and all of the other flossing alternatives, knowing how to use each method takes time and practice. It is recommended to floss twice a day and it generally does not matter if you do it before or after brushing.
Identify Your Favorite Floss
As mentioned above, traditional floss isn’t for everyone. Luckily, there are numerous other options that are equally as effective! Water and air flossers spit a fine stream of water, mouthwash, or air to remove food and plaque. Many users also found that this is a game-changer if you have permanent dental wear! Dental flossers or floss picks are a quick fix if you have food stuck in your teeth and want it out ASAP. They also save you time because all you have to do is grab one out of the bag and you have the perfect ready-to-go floss alternative.
Mouthwash
Before you start using mouthwash, it is recommended that you discuss the different types with your dentist. Deciding between a cosmetic or therapeutic mouthwash should be one component you identify right away. Finding a mouthwash that includes certain active ingredients like fluoride or chlorhexidine will provide different benefits. Using a mouthwash will complete the trifecta of your daily oral routine!
Regular Dental Visits
Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash twice a day is going to create the foundation of your oral hygiene routine. In addition to these three steps, you need to schedule regular cleanings with your dentist. This will help identify early signs of gum disease, cavities, or any other issues that need to be resolved through dental treatments. If you are experience toothaches, sensitivity to hot or cold, or a dental emergency, schedule a visit outside of your normal cleaning appointments!
Remembering to complete your oral hygiene routine every day is going to pay off in the long run! If you have questions about dental care, daily dental habits, or if you want to schedule a visit at our office, contact Clock Tower Dental today!
