Brushing Up On Dental Hygiene Basics

Chances are that you’ve been brushing and (hopefully) flossing your teeth for years, so you may think that you’ve got your oral hygiene routine down pat. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to check in with your dentist every so often for a review of proper techniques.

After all, if your brushing approach isn’t effective enough to remove plaque from the gumline, it’s probably not doing you much good.

For many patients, good dental hygiene begins with brushing. That’s why we do it at least twice a day. Indeed, brushing is very important. It’s our main line of defense against the sticky plaque that can cling to teeth, providing a haven for the oral bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.

When brushing, you want to be sure to use the proper technique. Ask the best dentists in The Colony to review how to brush your teeth effectively if you need a refresher. Use enough force to clear away the plaque, but don’t overdo it, or you could end up with irritated gums as a result.

Are you using the right brush? Many patients prefer to use an electronic brush so that they have to do less of the work to remove the plaque and tartar. If you use a manual toothbrush, angle it around the gumline for a more thorough cleaning. Regardless of what kind of brush you use, change it every six months and set a timer for two minutes so that you’re brushing for a long enough period of time.

Ideally, patients would brush after every meal, but that’s not always possible. If you aren’t able to brush between meals, you may at least want to rinse out your mouth with water or chew sugarless gum to clear away any leftover bits of food.

Flossing is an important component of your oral hygiene routine, too. You should floss at least daily, taking care to thread the floss between each and every tooth and go all the way to the gumline. If you have an appliance, like a dental bridge or permanent retainer, that precludes you from getting to the gumline, use a floss threader for assistance.

Many patients like to add mouthwash to their daily oral hygiene regimens, and this is another useful method for minimizing the presence of oral bacteria, especially in patients who develop plaque and tartar quickly.

Dental hygiene is an essential factor in your oral health, so make sure you’re doing everything you can to take care of your teeth. Check in with our top dentists for any tips or suggestions at your next appointment.