The Best Oral Hygiene Routine According to Experts

You commit to brushing your teeth twice a day for a full two minutes, but are you really achieving a thorough clean with your oral hygiene routine? At Elite Dental & Denture PC, we want our patients to feel confident in their hygiene efforts, and that starts with a healthy daily routine.

Here are some tips on what your oral hygiene habits should look like and what you can incorporate into your routine to give your teeth and gums an extra boost when they need it most.

Fine-Tuning Your Oral Hygiene Habits

Every patient's mouth is unique, and in trade, requires a specific hygiene regimen to keep up with their mouth's specific needs. For a healthy mouth and smile, we recommend:

Asking Your Dentist For Personalized Recommendations

Your dentist should be someone that you trust to help in taking care of your teeth. If you don't trust your dentist and their advice, it's time to find a new dentist! Ask about what they recommend for your unique teeth and discuss the areas where they see plaque buildup during your next cleaning. Areas with plaque buildup are indications of where you need to spend more time cleaning.

Using The Right Products For Your Teeth and Gums

The type of toothbrush you use is a personal choice. While some patients swear by an electric toothbrush, some prefer the simplicity of a manual toothbrush. Regardless of the type, always use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if your bristles begin to fray. A worn toothbrush can cause damage to your teeth.

Making Flossing a Priority

Flossing your teeth daily is the best way to achieve a complete clean of your mouth. Your toothbrush can't reach all areas of your mouth easily, and plaque can quickly form between your teeth, leading to cavities.

Perfect Your Proper Brushing Technique

Proper brushing takes at least two full minutes, and most adults fall short of the two-minute mark when it comes to brushing their teeth. To properly brush your teeth:

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
Sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline - never brush up!
Gently move the brush back and forth in short, tooth-wide strokes.
Brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Toothpaste Type Matters

It is essential to use toothpaste that's a great fit for you and your smile. Many varieties of toothpaste are designed for many conditions patients often experience, including being prone to cavities, gingivitis, tartar, stained teeth, and teeth with high sensitivity. If you're struggling with finding the best toothpaste for you and your mouth, ask us what we recommend for you at your next appointment.

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy Through Your Dietary Choices

Building a well-rounded diet to stay tooth-healthy is just as important in taking care of your teeth as brushing them is. A healthy diet sets the stage for success throughout your entire body. The healthier you're eating, the less plaque and buildup there will be to remove from your teeth when you clean them.

For a healthy smile, Try incorporating these foods into your diet:

Cheese
Yogurt
Raw fruits and vegetables
Leafy greens
Eggs
Water

Remember: Your Dentist is Always Here to Help!

Your comfort matters when it comes to the condition of your teeth, and our teeth experts at Elite Dental & Denture PC are here to help! The easier it is for you to clean your teeth, the more likely you will stay on track and avoid tooth decay. Find dental tools that you enjoy using, such as an electric toothbrush and Waterpik, to make your oral hygiene a little more fun. Please schedule an appointment today and ask us for a recommendation on how your brushing technique measures up.