Teeth cleaning is a big part of a healthy smile. Many of us recognize the importance of brushing and flossing once (if not twice) a day. However, sometimes that just isn’t enough! All that hard work can easily be thrown down the drain if we aren’t using the proper techniques.
Though most people know how to do a pretty good job of cleaning their teeth, it’s not uncommon to miss areas at the back of the mouth or deep in-between the teeth themselves. The buildup in these areas is often not visible to the naked eye, thereby leaving the impression that your teeth are clean and healthy. But, they are breeding grounds for plaque and gum disease.
Here are some teeth cleaning tips, tricks and techniques that you can use in your daily oral hygiene regiment to ensure that you are adhering to dental best practices and working towards not only a whiter smile, but a healthier one as well!
- Make sure that you brush for AT LEAST two minutes. To help you keep to this time, use a stopwatch or one of these new apps from BrushDJ or OralB.
- Use an electric toothbrush to make the process more effective.
- Use short, gentle strokes and avoid putting too much pressure behind the brush or floss.
- Start your brushing in a different spot each time – this will help prevent over brushing in one area while missing others.
- Provide special attention around the gum line and fillings, crowns or other restorations where plaque typically builds up.
- Keep your breath fresh by brushing the surface of your tongue, a common breeding ground for bacteria.
- Break off a piece of floss big enough to maneuver throughout your entire mouth and switch to a clean, fresh section of floss with each new tooth.
- Always rinse your toothbrush after each use to prevent bacteria from building up between the bristles.
- Avoid putting too much pressure on your gum line with your floss, as this can cause damage
These are only just a sampling of the advice that patients of my Davisville dental practice receive with each visit. While I’m confident that many of you understand the basics of oral hygiene, there’s no harm in updating your practices every so often to ensure you’re doing the best job for your teeth and smile.
Schedule a consultation through my website today and help yourself get on the right track for a healthier, whiter smile or drop by our Davisville dentist office. Can’t wait to see you!