You were likely taught how to practice at-home oral care by your parents, but have you ever stopped to think if what you’ve been doing is actually correct or effective? Most people know that they need to brush their teeth and floss, but many aren’t sure how long is long enough. In some cases, people actually may be hurting their teeth more than helping due to poor technique! Today, you can learn exactly what the oral hygiene best practices look like with the help of a dentist!
The Secrets to Perfect Brushing
You should always make sure to brush at least twice a day. While many dentists recommend brushing in the morning when you wake up and right before you go to bed, what matters most is that you get it done at least twice a day, ideally after a meal. However, you should wait at least 30 minutes after you finish eating so that you don’t accidentally brush softened enamel. This typically occurs after you’ve finished consuming acidic foods like soda or grapefruit.
When brushing, make sure to:
- Brush for at least two minutes at a time
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Brush all surfaces of teeth, especially the back teeth which often get missed
- Use gentle, back-and-forth, circular motions
- Brush at an angle, especially on the area where the tooth meets the gum line
As a rule of thumb, you should be replacing your toothbrush (or toothbrush head if it’s electric) every three to four months.
Are You Flossing Correctly?
Not only should you be flossing at least once a day, but you’ll want to make sure you are using a floss that actually works for you. For example, those with very tight gaps in between teeth will want to switch to a monofilament variety. This floss is much thinner and can easily fit in between teeth without having to force it in or snap it out. Avoid flosses that tend to shred easily.
In addition, it’s recommended that you:
- Use about 18 inches of floss at a time so it can easily wrap around your middle fingers. Hold the floss with your thumbs and forefingers.
- Guide the floss in between your teeth using a rubbing motion.
- Curve it against your tooth so it remains flat and rubs against the enamel
- After flossing one area, unwind the floss and rewrap it so a clean portion can be used
If you find it difficult to floss this way, purchase handheld flossers. A water flosser can also make the experience easier and more pleasant.
Even with the most dedicated at-home dental care, you should never leave your dentist behind! With routine exams and cleanings, they can remove plaque and tartar that might have been missed and find potential issues early so they can be treated quickly. A little extra care can go a long way in giving you a smile you never have to worry about!
About Avion Dental & Orthodontics Dallas
Exceptional dental services are far from the only thing you can expect from our team of dentists. You can also expect them to be friendly, give you enough time to not feel rushed, and offer a treatment plan that’s truly personalized to you, not one-size-fits-all. To schedule your next checkup and cleaning, you can contact them through their website.