Get the most out of your oral health by returning to the basics of dental hygiene. At-home routines are essential for maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. That’s why the Boise dentists at Summit Dental Group would like to provide the following tips to help you get the most out of your oral hygiene routine.
Brushing Technique
Brushing your teeth may seem easy enough, but it’s estimated that about a third of Treasure Valley residents don’t brush correctly. That’s why it’s important to review the following steps to ensure you get the most out of your daily brushing routine.
- Start at your gum line and brush upward at a 45-degree angle.
- Move the brush in tooth-sized circles.
- Dedicate a full 30 seconds to each quadrant area of your mouth.
- Brush your gums and tongue gently to remove harmful bacteria.
Remember that most people don’t brush for a long enough time. On average, people brush their teeth for 45 seconds or less, which is less than half the recommended time you should be brushing. Instead, brush your teeth for a full two minutes, twice daily.
Maintain a Clean Toothbrush
After brushing, take the time to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly. Without proper rinsing, your toothbrush can harbor harmful bacteria. You should also avoid toothbrush covers as these make the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Instead, your toothbrush should be stored in an upright position so that it can dry properly. You should also ensure it’s located in an area of your bathroom that’s as far away from the toilet.
You should also replace your toothbrush every three months. Additionally, if you get sick, replacing your toothbrush once you get better is essential to avoid reinfection.
Flossing Technique
Flossing may seem tedious, but it’s vital to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Even if you brush your teeth regularly, brushing alone won’t clean all the surfaces of your teeth. That’s why reviewing the following steps ensures you get the most out of your daily flossing routine.
- Use about 18 inches of floss each time.
- For best control, wrap the floss around your middle fingers.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and index finger and slide it between each tooth.
- Ensure you get beneath the gum line on both sides of each tooth.
- Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid moving around bacteria.
Use Mouthwash
Ending your daily at-home routine with mouthwash provides various benefits to help you maintain optimal oral health. Not only does it freshen your breath, but it also helps to reduce plaque and gingivitis while riding your mouth of leftover food particles you might have missed brushing and flossing. The best part? You can purchase fluoride mouthwash to help strengthen your teeth.
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums will go a long way toward maintaining a beautiful smile. Want to learn more? Contact the Boise dentists at Summit Dental Group by filling out our online form or calling our downtown office at (208) 986-7900 today!
