How to Boost Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Caring for your teeth is about more than just aesthetics. Sure, your smile looks good when you take the time to brush and floss, but these habits also help to preserve your long-term . If you’ve fallen behind and need to make some adjustments at home, our Ann Arbor dentists are here to help.
Here are 4 tips for improving your approach to oral hygiene so your smile can stay fresh in between teeth cleanings.
1. Brush Teeth Well Every Day
Our dentists, and many others, recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and do so with fluoride toothpaste. It’s also important to use proper technique when brushing so that every tooth surface is clean and free from plaque.
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If you brush your teeth poorly, it’s almost the same as if you didn’t brush them at all. To ensure a more in-depth clean, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to scrub your gums and teeth at the same time. Don’t rush and move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions. Remember to also brush before bed to remove accumulated plaque from the day.
Bonus tip: use an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing to wash your mouth out and clean hard-to-brush areas. It’s an easy in addition to brushing and flossing.
2. Be Sure to Keep Up With Flossing
It’s not uncommon for many individuals to push flossing to the side and ignore it altogether. When people do manage to floss, however, they only do so to remove pieces of food left behind. Additionally, flossing too fast, too rough, or missing spots can potentially damage your teeth and gums.
Flossing once a day is just as important as brushing your teeth. Picking up the floss and working your way in between every tooth stimulates the gums, reduces plaque, and lowers inflammation in the area. If you need guidance, we can offer tips on better flossing during your next oral exam.
Can’t get the hang of flossing or find it difficult due to arthritis or limited hand mobility? There are a few other tools you can use to get rid of plaque and leftover food bits like water flossers and floss picks.
3. Take Care of Your Tongue
You’re always told to care for your teeth and gums but it’s important to not forget about your tongue. Plaque does not discriminate and can build up similarly on your tongue if not cleaned regularly. This can result in and other related oral health issues.
An easy way to combat foul breath is to gently brush your tongue every time that you brush your teeth. You’ll find that even this small adjustment will help the smell and rid your tongue of harmful dental plaque.
4. Prioritize Drinking Water and Healthy Foods
You’d be surprised what a well-balanced diet and drinking water will do for your oral health. Choosing water throughout the day over other beverages like sodas or acidic juices will not leave unwanted sugar on your teeth. Instead, it will wash away food debris and help you fight every time you reach to take a sip.
Fruits and vegetables also work wonders not only for your mouth, but for your body as a whole. Fresh, crunchy produce are excellent sources of fiber and deliver a needed workout for both your teeth and jaw. If you wish to consume sweets, try to do so in moderation and remember to brush your teeth thoroughly before bed.
Make an Appointment
Following a good oral hygiene routine each day isn’t rocket science. It just takes some discipline and practice. Even if you haven’t paid the most attention to your smile, our dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, can help you get back on track. Schedule your next cleaning by calling Liberty Dental today at (734) 994-0909 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.