Proper Dental Hygiene

The key to maintaining a smile that is healthy, functional, and beautiful is a good oral hygiene routine. While bi-annual dental checkups and cleanings are a good starting point, without daily maintenance teeth can be subjected to bacteria, plaque, and eventual decay. Speak with your dentist about the best way for you to care for your teeth and gums at home, and in the meantime follow these simple steps to keep your smile brilliant.

Brushing Your Teeth

While most dentists recommend that patients brush after every meal or three times daily, many people have busy schedules that simply do not permit this. However, at the very least, all children over three and all adults should be brushing their teeth at least two times every day. Furthermore, it is not only the frequency with which people brush, but also their brushing technique that truly affects oral health. Too little brushing may allow plaque to settle into crevices in the mouth and may lead to decay, cavities, and possible tooth loss. Too much brushing, or brushing too hard, may damage delicate gum tissues and can also lead to tooth loss and periodontal disease.

It is recommended that adults use a soft-bristle toothbrush that it is ADA-approved. You should replace your brush every two to three months and whenever you have been ill so as not to transfer germs. Brush in soft, circular motions to remove the most plaque, and try to brush your teeth for at least a full two minutes every time to ensure a thorough cleaning.

Flossing Your Teeth

Even those who are vigilant about brushing their teeth often overlook the importance of flossing. Bacteria, food, and decay can live in the tight spaces between teeth and below the gum line, and are not always removed by brushing. To get at these parts of the mouth, flossing is truly the most effective method.

Dentists recommend that adult patients floss at least once every day. For the first several days of flossing, patients may encounter sore or bleeding gums. This is very common, but if the bleeding persists beyond the first week, it is a good idea to speak with your dentist as you may be suffering from periodontal disease or some other oral health problem. The best way to floss is to use a piece of floss that is about 18 inches long. Ease this piece of floss between teeth, moving the floss up and down several times, making sure to curve the floss around the gum line.

If you have had restorative dental work such as bridges or crowns, you may want to consult with your dentist for the best way to floss these delicate areas.

Contact an Area Dentist

Working with a dentist to establish an appropriate oral hygiene routine builds the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. Use the DocShop directory to find a dentist in your area.