Regular dental cleanings and exams are vital to maintaining top-notch dental health. You’re at home dental care routine goes hand in hand with your routine dental cleanings to ensure your teeth stay healthy and free of disease. Review the following pointers to see how you can upgrade your at home dental regimen.
Brush twice a day with the right toothbrush
If you’re not already, begin today to brush both morning and night. Find a soft-bristled toothbrush with rounded end bristles. A soft bristled brush is essential to making sure you aren’t causing recession when you brush. Think of brushing your teeth like a light polish, not a scrub. Use light circular motions as you move across all surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and gums. The bristles on your toothbrush can get old and wear down so be sure you get a new one every 3-4 months. Electronic toothbrushes work quite well if they have a feature that allows the brush to rotate and oscillate back and forth. Use fluoride toothpaste to help slow down the formation of tartar buildup.
Don’t rush the flossing
Flossing will remove plaque from those hard to reach places in between your teeth. For full effectiveness, flossing must be done at least once a day. To begin, cut off an 18-inch piece of floss and wrap each end around a middle finger. Make sure you have about 2-3 inches of floss between your fingers. Slowly and gently work the floss between and around each tooth. Gently slide it under the gum line several times to remove plaque.
Eat better foods
Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and low in saturated fat will help you maintain healthy gums and ultimately avoid tooth decay. Peanuts, yogurt, milk, and cheese help clear your mouth of harmful sugars.
Schedule a consultation
If you are concerned about the health of your teeth, arrange a consultation today with Drs of Smiles. You can reach our office by calling 480.834.6991 located in Mesa, Arizona.