If you’re already making bi-annual visits to the dentist a part of your regular appointments, you’re already ahead of most people! Many still don’t make it a habit, which puts them at much higher risk of developing dental disease. However, a dentist in downtown Portland wanted to note that dental visits alone aren’t enough.
To keep the mouth in the best condition possible, follow these three tips. Managing your oral health doesn’t stop when your appointment is done!
The Secret to Perfect Brushing
Every time you go to brush, you’ll want to keep these three words in mind: technique, time, and transitioning to a new brush.
Regardless of the toothbrush you use, whether it’s an old-fashioned manual brush or the fanciest electric toothbrush on the market, your technique is crucial to thorough brushing. When using either a manual or electric toothbrush, brush each tooth individually making sure you reach all the sides. This includes the side facing the back of the mouth, an area that often goes unnoticed.
The ADA recommends people brush for at least two minutes at a time and no longer than three minutes. Brushing for too long only wears down enamel since plaque doesn’t require much effort to remove. Instead of brushing for long periods of time or with a lot of force, focus on brushing each tooth with enough care.
Finally, you should be transitioning to a new toothbrush or brush head every three months. Old brushes aren’t as effective at cleaning teeth, so once the bristles become frayed, swap it out for a new one.
Tips on Flossing Daily
Flossing may be difficult for some people at first, but once you begin doing it regularly you’ll have the peace of mind that you’re oral care is complete. Flossing only needs to be done once daily and can be done any time during the day. However, a great time to do it is right before bed since your mouth is more vulnerable to bacteria as you sleep.
When flossing, pull out 18 to 24 inches of floss at a time so you can wrap it around your index fingers. Remove floss from each finger as needed when gently sliding it in between each tooth. Remember, only floss can reach the deep pockets of your gums to remove plaque and food debris.
Taking Your Oral Care to the Next Level
A great way to end your brushing and flossing routine is with a good mouth wash. Not only are there different flavors to choose from, but many manufacturers create mouth washes designed to treat certain conditions. These may include:
- Bad breath
- Gingivitis
- Teeth stains
- Teeth sensitivity
- Or any combination of these issues!
When you have perfected at-home oral care, your dentist will be extremely proud the next time you visit! Schedule an appointment with a dentist in South Waterfront today to prove how effective your routine has become!
About the Author
Dr. Megan Block earned her DDS degree from the Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry. She always stays updated on the latest technology and techniques when providing the community preventive treatments. To learn more about her practice, contact her through her website.