Oral hygiene is an important part of your daily routine – or at least, it should be. Over time, some people let their habits slide. After all, most of us are busy, and taking care of our teeth is just one more thing to get done. In this post, we’ll go over the basics of oral hygiene to discuss what you should be doing to take care of your teeth.
Brush at Least Twice a Day
Brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Start by holding your brush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth. Gently brush in little circles against the tooth enamel over the front and back of the teeth.
Next, brush the flat parts of the teeth with short strokes. Don’t push hard on your teeth.
You can also brush your tongue to keep your breath fresh and eliminate bacteria on your tongue. To brush your tongue, start with your toothbrush at the back of your tongue and scrape forward to the front.
Many people run into problems with tooth brushing by brushing too hard. Over time, brushing harder than necessary can cause gum recession and loss of tooth enamel.
Some electric toothbrushes will tell you if you’re applying too much pressure when brushing your teeth, so if you believe that you’ve been pressing too hard when brushing, consider getting an electric toothbrush with this feature.
Floss Daily
Use traditional floss or a water flosser to clean your teeth once daily. Insert the floss or pick between teeth. Wrap the floss around each tooth, then gently slide up and down along the sides of the teeth. Reverse the C shape and do it again.
Flossing can be tricky. Have your dentist show you the proper way to floss next time you go in for a cleaning. Your dentist will demonstrate proper flossing when you come in for your next cleaning and can give you some pointers if you show your dentist what you do when flossing.
Find the Right Toothpaste
Toothpaste comes in all different types, including toothpaste for sensitive teeth, normal toothpaste, whitening toothpaste, and more. If you have an implant, a crown, or veneers, it’s important to choose toothpaste that is non-abrasive. Your dentist can recommend a toothpaste that will help you accomplish your goals, or that will meet your needs for your teeth. Find out from your dentist what they recommend.
Prioritize Dental Cleanings Twice a Year
Visit your dentist twice a year for dental cleanings. Preventative cleanings and examinations can help you catch dental problems in their early stages, which can help you avoid problems like tooth loss, infections, cavities, and more.
When was the last time you saw the dentist in Tampa, FL? If it’s been more than six months, contact Weninger Dentistry to make your next dental appointment today.