We all have a good baseline understanding of how to take care of our teeth: brush twice a day and floss once a day. It’s that simple! While it’s great to stick to that routine, there may be some ways you can improve your dental hygiene with a few simple tricks. If you’re interested in stepping up your dental hygiene game, read on to find some new ways to upgrade how you approach your oral health.
Upgrade to Electric
Most experts agree that electric toothbrushes are generally more effective than the traditional kind provided they’re used correctly. Electric means you no longer have to push the brush back and forth but instead, you simply have to guide it to each quadrant of your mouth and let the brush do the rest. They’re great for removing plaque and calcium buildup in our mouths and keeping you feeling fresh.
Floss Properly
As important as flossing regularly is (it’s the only way to reach about 40% of your mouth that a toothbrush can’t), it’s also critical that you do it correctly. Utilize a C-shape motion and go beneath the gums in order to remove all of that hidden plaque and help keep your teeth healthy. However, another important aspect of dental hygiene is not flossing too hard, which runs the risk of damaging your gums.
Rinse After Flossing
Ideally, you should floss right before you brush your teeth. This helps your toothbrush remove any of that debris that might have been loosened during your flossing. However, if you’re flossing at any other point of the day, make sure you rinse your mouth out quickly to help flush that bacteria and debris out.
Spare Brushes
Go into the office regularly? Spend a night at a friend’s place once or twice a month? Keep an extra toothbrush in those spots. You never know when you’re going to find yourself having eaten a meal that got food stuck in your teeth, so having an emergency toothbrush can be handy. Just make sure you have a cover on it to prevent it from getting dirty when it isn’t in use.
Care for Your Tongue
Our tongues are home to millions of bacteria. If you avoid this aspect of dental hygiene, it can cause bad breath and plaque to build up. Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria. You can also add mouthwash into your routine.
Catonsville Dental Care is The Best Choice for Your Dental Health
Catonsville Dental Care offers a wide variety of services when it comes to oral health. We have the experience and understanding to diagnose and treat any problem you have as quickly and painlessly as possible. With four dentists available at our office and a commitment to comfort, safety, and relaxation, you can’t find a better provider for your health. We look forward to helping you keep your smile perfect all year long and talking with you about your needs. To schedule an appointment or consultation, visit us online or give us a call at 410-747-1115. For more tips and tricks, follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, and YouTube.