Your family’s health is important to you, including their oral health. Every day you strive to make sure good oral hygiene is a part of you and your family’s busy schedule. You feel you take good care of your teeth, and help your family to do the same. You make sure everyone’s oral hygiene routine includes brushing twice a day, flossing and rinsing with a mouth rinse. Twice a year you schedule dental visits for the whole family for cleanings and check-ups.
The oral hygiene routine you have for your family and yourself is good, but you aren’t sure if what you are doing is correct. There is a right way and a wrong way to take care of your teeth. Cleaning your teeth the wrong way could cause wear and tear to your tooth enamel and damage to your gums. Here are a few tips on how to clean your teeth the right way to help maintain you and your family’s oral health.
The Right Way to Brush and Clean Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth is one of the most important steps in your oral hygiene routine. Using the right toothbrush and brushing correctly can help ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong.
The best type of toothbrush to use is a soft bristled brush. Bristles that are too hard can wear away the enamel on your teeth. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before you go to bed at night.
It’s also good to brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating. It’s recommended to wait 30 minutes because certain foods can cause your tooth enamel to become soft. Tooth enamel is what protects the inside of your teeth. Brushing too soon after eating can damage the softened enamel.
When you brush, use a pea-sized amount of any fluoride toothpaste. Make sure you brush all exposed sides of your teeth, including the back side. Do this for about 2-3 minutes. Don’t use too much pressure when brushing your teeth either. Scrubbing too hard against your teeth is another way your tooth enamel can become damaged. After 2-3 minutes of brushing, rinse your mouth and your toothbrush with clean water.
Your toothbrush should be replaced every 2-3 months. It’s also a good idea to replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick.
The Right Way to Floss Your Teeth
Some say it’s the next step while others say it’s the first step, but flossing is an important step in the right way to clean your teeth. Flossing before brushing can help loosen food particles and plaque between your teeth to make it easier to remove with a toothbrush. Flossing after brushing helps get rid of any plaque or particles between your teeth that your toothbrush couldn’t reach.
There are two common types of floss, inter-dental brushes and dental floss. Either type of floss can work, it’s a matter of personal preference. When you floss, make sure you get between every tooth. If you are new to flossing or have excessive plaque build-up on your teeth, your gums may bleed slightly. If you experience excessive bleeding you should contact your dental office immediately.
Once you have flossed between every tooth, rinse your mouth out again with clean water. This will help remove the loosened food particles or plaque.
Using Mouthwash the Right Way to Help Clean Your Teeth
After flossing you should rinse your mouth with mouthwash. Mouthwash, also called mouth rinse, can help clean and strengthen your teeth. The best mouthwash to use is one with fluoride and has a seal of approval from the American Dental Association (ADA)
According to the American Dental Association (ADA) there are two main types of mouthwashes, therapeutic and cosmetic. Therapeutic mouthwashes often include fluoride and can help prevent bad breath, remove plaque build-up, prevent gingivitis, and tooth decay. Cosmetic mouthwashes have ingredients to help whiten your teeth.
Dental Visits to Help You Clean Your Teeth
An oral hygiene routine done incorrectly could cause damage to the enamel on your teeth by wearing it away. This could lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. A professional dental office, such as Signature Dental, can give you the information you need to correctly take care of your teeth.
The professional staff at Signature Dental can show you the right way to clean your teeth and protect them from the wear and tear of improper oral hygiene. Our caring Richardson TX dentist and staff can help you and your family get your teeth strong and healthy for a lifetime of bright, beautiful smiles.
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