Maintaining good oral hygiene means caring for your smile from home, each and every day. To prevent tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and more, you need to brush and floss your teeth each day. However, many people don’t actually do so properly, which means their smiles could still be at risk. In today’s blog, we’re looking at tips to help our Richfield, MN, patients enjoy better oral health.
Improved Brushing and Flossing
- Pick the Right Toothbrush: The toothbrush you use matters. Whether you’ve elected to use an electric or manual version, be sure you choose one with soft bristles. When people brush too hard, which is common, they could inadvertently damage enamel or irritate the gums, causing them to recede. Children should use one appropriate for their age, there are separate toothbrushes available for babies, toddlers, and older kids. You should brush twice a day, once when you first wake up and again before going to bed, and each session should last about two minutes.
- Look for Fluoride Toothpaste: When you browse the selection at your local store, you’ll see a number of products making a number of promises. Some offer bad breath protection, while others brag about whitening capabilities. However, you should focus on two things: fluoride and the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Fluoride means the toothpaste contains a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen outer tooth enamel against cavities. The ADA Seal of Acceptance means the product is safe for your teeth. A note about whitening toothpastes, many of them will contain abrasive agents, designed to remove teeth stains. However, these same abrasive agents could damage tooth enamel!
- Floss Every Day: You need to floss in between each tooth every night before going to bed. You need to floss up and down the length of each tooth, dipping below the gum line in a “c” motion to remove trapped food particles. Whether you use tape, picks, or water flossers, the key is to clean your teeth every day to help reduce he risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Don’t Ignore a Toothache: If you begin to experience persistent tooth sensitivity and toothaches that last for more than a day, then consider scheduling an appointment. This could indicate the presence of tooth decay, and could mean your tooth requires attention to avoid an infection.
- Brush Your Tongue: When you brush, take time to brush your tongue for a few seconds as well! Doing so helps improve the freshness of your breath, and removes bacteria.
Do You Have Questions About Homecare?
We want to help you and your family enjoy healthy smiles with proper brushing and flossing. To learn more about keeping your smile healthy, schedule a consultation with Dr. Keller by calling Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at (612) 861-7188.
