Developing healthy oral hygiene habits is the best way to improve both your oral health and your overall health. Although it takes a bit of dedication, these habits are well worth the effort. A smile that is cared for properly will continue to serve you well for years to come.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
A habit that is engrained in our minds since childhood, twice-daily brushing sometimes falls to the wayside as we mature. Brushing your teeth twice a day is the only way to remove harmful bacteria and plaque that will eventually lead to decay if not addressed!
No matter your age, it is important that you brush for two minutes, twice each day. It is wise to time your brushing every few months to be sure that you are reaching the two-minute marker, providing yourself with ample time to clean each tooth’s surface.
Daily Flossing
You may think that daily flossing makes no substantial difference in your oral health. This is simply not true! Brushing twice-daily brushing is imperative to a healthy smile. However, brushing alone will only remove a portion of the bacteria, plaque, and debris from the surface of your teeth.
Flossing is the only way to thoroughly clean between your teeth, a popular breeding ground for bacteria. Trust us, you’re not fooling us by only flossing before your dental exam.
Replace Your Toothbrush
In order to clean your teeth properly and avoid any type of damage, it is important to replace your toothbrush on a regular basis.
Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months is a good habit to establish. Additionally, you should replace your toothbrush if you notice any signs of damage, such as frayed bristles, or after recovering from an illness.
Keep Your Toothbrush Clean
If we are using our toothbrush to remove bacteria from our teeth, how do we keep the toothbrush clean? This is an important oral hygiene habit that many patients are not aware of. To keep your toothbrush free of bacteria, always rinse it thoroughly after using it. Store your toothbrush in an upright position where it is able to dry between each use.
You may also consider sanitizing your toothbrush using antiseptic mouthwash every few days.
Limit Sugar Intake
We all enjoy a sugary treat! However, excessive amounts of sugar, even healthy sugars found in fruit, can damage your teeth. While we are certainly not asking you to eliminate sugar from your diet, it is a wise idea to limit your sugar intake throughout the day.
If you do indulge in a tasty treat, be sure to rinse your mouth with water to remove lingering sugars that may create chaos.
Visit the Dentist
Although at-home oral hygiene habits play a large role in your oral health, they will never replace routine visits to the dentist. Your oral health depends greatly on bi-annual dental exams and cleanings. During your preventative dentistry visits to our office, we can provide you with ways to improve your oral hygiene habits.
By adding these healthy habits to your routine, you will provide yourself with a happy, healthy smile for years to come. We look forward to seeing you soon!