Almost everyone knows that brushing teeth is important, but sometimes we don’t understand WHY we need to be thorough and consistent when it comes to our dental care. As the best dental clinic in Missouri, we know how important it is to implement good dental habits as early as possible, to prevent major issues. Read on to learn about crucial habits you need to know to keep up with your tooth and gum health.
Brush TWICE a Day – no more, no less
Brushing is a must and there’s no way around it! Brushing should be done twice a day; once in the morning (ideally) before breakfast and again at the end of the day after dinner. When we brush our teeth before drinking coffee or eating breakfast, we’re eliminating a night’s worth of bacteria and plaque and this helps food not stick to the enamel on your teeth and can help keep your teeth whiter, longer.
Pick the Right Toothbrush
Don’t know if you need a hard or soft toothbrush? The truth is that there’s no right or wrong answer here but choosing a soft toothbrush can actually allow the bristles to clean in between your teeth and at your gum line better. The nice thing about a soft toothbrush versus a hard one is that it can prevent gum recession if you’re someone who tends to brush their teeth too hard.
Practice Good Technique
Speaking of brushing too hard.. try not to do this! Although you think you’re getting your teeth extra clean by brushing hard, you may be putting your gums at risk! Go slow and spend around 2 minutes focusing on covering each quarter of your mouth at a time.
Keep your Equipment Clean
Properly storing & replacing your toothbrush when necessary will keep bad bacteria from taking it over. Never keep your toothbrush in a closed container for long – this will help prevent bacteria from forming – and remember to always replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick.
Don’t Forget to Floss
It’s important to floss between our teeth to keep our smiles healthy! For maximum control against plaque and tartar build up, floss daily or after each meal. Remember to take it slow & one tooth at a time to prevent damage to your gums.
Be Consistent
Practicing a good morning and evening routine when brushing your teeth is critical. If you do this, it becomes second nature and is no longer a burden to take care of.
At Access Dental & Dentures, we know trips to the dentist can be overwhelming, but it all starts with a good oral care routine at home. We’re here to help you with taking care of your teeth for the long haul. Call us to schedule your next appointment with the best dentist in southern Missouri. We’ll get you on the right track to maintaining your dental care at home so you can enjoy taking care of those precious teeth!
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