Your home oral hygiene habits are your first line of defense against problems that can impact the health of your teeth and gums. However, your ability to prevent dental complications with brushing and flossing may not be as effective as you believe. Often, simple mistakes with your daily methods can produce damaging results for your smile, causing you to need extensive care from your dentist in Hutchinson. To ensure your efforts payoff, Dr. Grant Ringer has the tips you need to brush and floss correctly.
Brush At least Twice Per Day
Brushing removes harmful food particles, plaque, and tartar from the teeth to prevent common problems, like tooth decay and gum disease. It is recommended that you do it after every meal, but this is not always possible. At the very least, you will want to brush twice a day. However, if you are like 30% of adults, you fall short in this area.
Although your daily commitments can limit the amount of time you spend on your teeth, commit to brushing for at least 2 minutes twice a day. As the most frequent dental product you will use, choose the right toothbrush to get the job done.
Only use one that is supported by the American Dental Association (ADA), which means it has been tested for safety. In addition, it is best to use soft-bristles and one that fits the size of your mouth to ensure it is effective.
Use a fluoride toothpaste that is also supported by the ADA. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle from the gum line and use gentle sweeps to clean all surfaces of the teeth. Do not forget to brush your cheeks and tongue as well to remove bacteria.
Floss Your Teeth Daily
Even with the best brushing habits, there are still areas in the mouth a toothbrush cannot reach. If they are not cleaned, you will likely develop gum disease as plaque and tartar accumulate around the gum line. To remove the buildup, choose an ADA-approved dental floss.
Use about 18 inches of floss and insert it in between two teeth to form a “C” shape around a tooth. Then, gently slide the floss to the gum and back up to the crown. Repeat this process for each tooth.
Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
In addition to your home oral hygiene, you also need to see your Hutchinson dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Even with the best habits, you cannot clean all areas in the mouth, like below the gum line. We will clean your teeth and perform a comprehensive examination to ensure you maintain your dental health. During the appointment, we may recommend additional hygiene tips, like the use of mouthwash. If we find any concerning issues, we will quickly intervene to prevent future dental issues.
If you are ready to enjoy a healthy smile for many years to come, schedule your appointment with Dr. Ringler.