Brushing your teeth is a critical part of any oral care routine, but it’s far from the only step involved. A complete routine includes additional steps to ensure the best oral health. You can safeguard your teeth and gums and reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues by following these oral hygiene tips.
Step 1: Brush the correct way.
The first thing to consider when evaluating your oral care routine is whether you’re brushing the proper way to remove plaque and prevent cavities. You should hold your toothbrush so the head is at a 45-degree angle and brush in a gentle, circular motion.
Brushing too hard won’t help you get through it faster; you’ll just wear down enamel and cause gum recession. Instead, take two minutes to brush thoroughly and properly. You should also make sure to brush twice each day. Consistency is key to a healthy smile.
Choosing the right toothbrush is also important. Stick with a soft-bristled brush, and consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush. When choosing toothpaste, always go with fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth against cavities.
Step 2: Floss daily.
Your oral care routine should also include flossing once each day. This removes plaque and food particles from between teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Preventing accumulation will reduce your risk of cavities and tooth decay.
Traditional string floss is highly effective when used correctly, but it isn’t always right for everyone. You can take advantage of options such as floss picks and interdental brushes for an easier experience. Water flossers are another potential option, especially for patients with braces.
Many people skip flossing because it seems time-consuming, but that’s a big mistake. This allows a thin film of bacteria called plaque to build up between your teeth, eventually hardening into tartar. Tartar can only be removed through professional teeth cleaning and poses a serious risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Step 3: Don’t skip mouthwash.
You should also consider adding mouthwash to your oral care routine. It helps reduce bacteria levels while also freshening your breath. It deals with the bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Mouthwash that contains alcohol is highly effective but can also cause irritation. If your mouth is sensitive to alcohol-based mouthwash, there are alcohol-free options available that still provide powerful cleaning without causing irritation or dry mouth.
Keep in mind that you can’t replace brushing and flossing with mouthwash. It’s an excellent addition to your oral hygiene routine, but the other steps are still essential.
Step 4: Clean your tongue.
Your tongue can host a large number of bacteria. This impacts your breath and also contributes to poor oral health. Cleaning your tongue helps regulate bacteria levels to tackle both issues.
You can find purpose-made tools called tongue scrapers to tackle this task. You simply run the tool gently from the back of the tongue to the front. You can also brush the surface of the tongue with a soft-bristled brush, and some toothbrushes have textured pads on the back of the head for this purpose.
Step 5: Monitor your diet.
Your diet plays a key role in your oral health. Sugary foods are broken down by bacteria into acids that weaken enamel, allowing it to be worn away. Acidic foods do the same by impacting enamel directly.
Avoiding sugary and acidic foods will help protect your teeth. You can take advantage of a wide range of tooth-friendly snacks. Cheese and nuts are great choices, and crunchy vegetables can even help clean teeth thanks to their texture and water content.
Eating a varied diet is also important to get important minerals for strong teeth, such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Vitamins C, D, K, and A also support strong teeth and healthy gums.
Step 6: Stay consistent with dental visits.
The steps you take at home are essential for good oral health, but so are regular dental visits. During these visits, your dentist will carry out an exam to spot potential issues before they get out of control. This helps you avoid more serious oral health problems down the line by getting treatment as soon as possible.
Your dentist will also carry out professional teeth cleaning, removing plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces, between teeth, and around the gumline. Scheduling and keeping up with regular appointments keeps your smile in the best possible condition.
Make the most of your oral care routine.
Putting these steps into action will help you take your oral care routine to the next level. You’ll enjoy a beautiful, strong, and healthy smile. If you’re not sure about your routine, you can always ask your trusted family dentist near Wilson, NC. Schedule an appointment at Dixon, Boles & Associates for any of your dental concerns or needs.
