Brushing your teeth twice a day – we’ve all heard it a million times. But what about flossing? Mouth wash? And most importantly, what’s the best way to do it? It’s always good to freshen up on what a good oral hygiene routine looks like, pun intended. Let’s take it step by step and reveal some secrets behind a healthy, bright smile.
Studies Suggest a Good Oral Hygiene Routine Starts With Flossing
For a long time, brushing teeth twice a day was the baseline of every dental hygiene routine. However, some studies have found flossing can do wonders as a starting point for your regimen. That’s because brushing alone can’t get into the nooks and crannies between your teeth. These are the perfect spots for dental plaque, a sticky residue from food, which can cause some troubles down the road.
Brushing first might feel like an unbreakable habit, but flossing actually makes the following step, brushing, a lot more effective. The fluoride in your toothpaste will be able to get into those tiny gaps between the teeth, providing a much more thorough clean.
Add Some New Tools to Your Dental Arsenal
While the good old reliable dental floss is a crucial tool needed for healthy teeth, there are a few additional gadgets you could add for the best oral hygiene routine:
- Floss picks – a convenient tool for those on the go, made of a plastic handle and a piece of dental floss,
- Interdental brushes – specialized brushes that work wonders in removing food particles and plaque between teeth,
- Water flossers – a kind of powerwash, where water pressure is used to thoroughly clean between the teeth, which is especially helpful if you have dental implants.
Don’t Overlook the Importance of Flossing
The importance of flossing can’t be overstated, as it helps you easily tackle those hard-to-reach places that would otherwise remain untouched. If dental plaque hangs around your mouth for too long, it hardens and turns into what we call tartar. This hardened plaque can be removed only with a professional dental cleaning. If not, tartar poses a serious risk to the health of your teeth and gum tissue.
Brush Your Teeth at Least Two Times a Day
Now that we’ve settled on the right oral hygiene routine order, we know what’s coming next. Brushing your teeth should be done at least twice a day and for at least two minutes at a time. Of course, you can do it even more often if you tend to eat several smaller meals throughout the day. When you can’t do it after a meal, a thorough mouth rinse can be a great temporary measure.
Make Sure to Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Let’s get one important thing out of the way – brushing teeth super hard doesn’t mean it’s a job well done. This can actually wear down tooth enamel over time. A thorough but gentle brushing is what works best – for this, make sure you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
As for the toothpaste, fluoride-based products are usually recommended. However, you can always consult your dentist in Charlotte, NC, to figure out what works best for your oral health. After all, each smile is unique.
The toothbrush should be placed at a 45-degree angle toward the gums. That way, you won’t be just cleaning the teeth but the gum line as well. It’s good to start from the back sometimes, as this area often gets neglected, but make sure to get all surfaces, both the backs and the fronts of the teeth. Lastly, it might be difficult to break the habit, but rinsing your mouth immediately after is actually something you should avoid.
Don’t Let Your Toothbrush Sit Around for Too Long
According to the American Dental Association, toothbrushes need to be replaced every three to four months. Also, soaking them in mouthwash or 3% hydrogen peroxide is a great maintenance routine, keeping them squeaky clean for the next use.
Don’t Forget About the Tongue – It Needs Some Cleaning Too
The tongue is like a sponge when it comes to bacteria. So, as you’re going through the routine, don’t forget to give the tongue some TLC too. And no, you shouldn’t wash your mouth with soap – a toothbrush will do just fine, or a tongue scraper for an even more thorough cleaning.
Finish With Some Mouthwash for That Minty-Fresh Breath
While some dentists recommend using mouthwash first, for most people, this being the last step is usually the way to go. Mouthwash is in no shape or form a substitute for flossing or brushing, but it can be a nice cherry on top of your oral hygiene routine.
Using an antibacterial fluoride mouth rinse, be it an over-the-counter product or one that’s prescribed, eliminates bad breath and prevents cavities. As with toothpaste, you can always discuss fluoride-free alternatives with your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark. Most mouthwashes should be rinsed for 30 to 60 seconds, followed by a half-hour break before drinking water so that the solution really gets the job done.
No Routine Is Complete Without Regular Visits to the Dentist
Now that we’ve gone through the crucial oral hygiene routine steps, there’s just one more thing we can’t skip over – the importance of regular dentist appointments. Getting check-ups every 4 to 6 months is the best way to make sure your dental health is right where it needs to be.
Moreover, you can always talk to your Charlotte, NC, dentist about how you can personalize your daily routine more. Every smile deserves special treatment, and there’s no one who knows more about what’s best for it than the dentist you chose.
Wondering What’s Best for Your Smile? Contact Us at Aspire Dental Wellness
A lot of work goes into a radiant smile. To make it even more tricky, there’s no one-size-fits-all routine. You’ve got to work around what you’re working with, and sometimes, it’s not easy to figure out what’s best.
Our team at Aspire Dental Wellness, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, will be more than happy to assess your oral health and create a personalized plan for you. If you’re in need of a fresh start to build your routine on, we offer laser deep cleaning that’s both effective and completely stress-free. There’s nothing we won’t do to achieve your brightest smile yet – contact us today, and let’s make it a reality.
