Everyone thinks they have great oral hygiene. They brush twice daily and floss every day. They teach their kids to do the same. The family uses an oral mouth rinse to protect against bacteria and everyone sees a dentist twice yearly. However, there are other things you can do to keep your family’s smiles healthy and bright for years to come.
Brushing Properly
Sure, you brush twice a day but do you brush correctly? Many people just run the toothbrush over their teeth quickly before work or bed and believe they are properly brushing. Some people brush aggressively, thinking that scrubs off all the plague but that just damages teeth. Learning to properly brush your teeth will make your mouth healthier.
The proper way to brush your teeth is to move the toothbrush in a round circular motion on the frontside starting in the back of your mouth. Then, do the same for the backside and the tops of molars. Make sure to get around the gumline. Brush for at least two minutes in a gentle circular motion. This motion gets in between teeth better as well as the gumline where plaque thrives.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue! The tongue holds a lot of bacteria and brushing it as part of your routine will reduce bacteria, improve overall oral health, and lead to fresher breath.
Wait Until After Breakfast to Brush
Some people brush after they get their shower before breakfast as a routine to start their day but it’s best for your mouth to wait until after you’ve had your coffee and juice to brush. Coffee, juice, and even smoothies leave things like sugar and acid on teeth. Brushing them afterward removes the majority of problem-causing elements.
Get a Proper Toothbrush
Many buy whatever toothbrush is on sale but the type you use can affect your oral health. Hard bristles can damage teeth so get a soft-bristled one especially if you have sensitive teeth. Get a toothbrush with a head that fits your teeth and mouth. Smaller mouths need a smaller head. The best toothbrush heads are the round or triangular ones because they can reach places a rectangular head can’t reach.
Those facing plaque problems may do better with an electric toothbrush. They are effective in reaching and cleaning areas that may be a problem with a manual toothbrush. They are also good for those with mobility problems or who don’t like to take the time to brush their teeth.
Be sure to replace your toothbrush every three months. Many people forget and that can create an unhealthy mouth.
Clean Your Toothbrush
This seems logical but many people never do this because they are in a hurry. You should wash your toothbrush under water after each use. That includes removing any leftover toothpaste from the brush and handle. This ensures that bacteria don’t take up residence on your toothbrush. It’s important to wash your toothbrush holder as well.
Consider a Water Flosser
String floss is effective in removing debris from between teeth but a water flosser may be more motivational in creating the habit. Water flossers are effective and more gentle for removing food debris so you can reduce string flossing. However, string flossing is still a great way to get food from between teeth so don’t disregard it altogether. Water flossing is a supplement to that.
Drink Water After Meals
People drink many beverages during meals. It could be milk, tea, coffee, juice, wine, or a specialty beverage. However, most of those beverages aren’t great for teeth and can leave them with sugar, acid or stains. Drinking water after meals washes all those elements, along with leftover food debris, away. Plus, it keeps your mouth moist which is important to oral health.
Eat Abrasive Fruits and Vegetables
Most people understand that a healthy diet helps keep their mouths healthy. Yet, they may not realize that certain foods can help keep your teeth clean between meals. Fibrous foods, like apples and carrots, are abrasive enough they can scrub plaque and bacteria off teeth when eaten raw. Other foods to consider are broccoli, celery, pears, cucumbers and nuts. Eating these foods regularly can also help whiten your teeth
Don’t Sip Sugary Drinks
Dentists recommend avoiding sugary juices, sodas, and other beverages. However, those who need a sugar high should drink them at once rather than sip on them over a long period. Sipping on sugary drinks over a longer time span continuously exposes your mouth to sugar, which can lead to bacterial growth because bacteria feed on sugar. Drinking it in one sitting limits how much bacteria can be used. It’s always best to follow up a sugary drink with drinking water to rinse sugar away.
Are you looking for a family dentist? We are a local dentist that provides all types of oral healthcare needs for children and adults. Contact us for a consultation today. We would love to keep your family smiling for years to come!
