Keeping your smile attractive, fresh, and healthy can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Plaque is constantly accumulating on your smile—this sticky bacterial substance is simply a byproduct of going through your daily and nightly routine.
Many of the steps in your at-home dentist-recommended oral hygiene routine are designed to minimize the amount of plaque in your mouth, and help it from getting out of control. Brushing your teeth buffs away plaque on your enamel and from those spots where your teeth and gum tissues meet. Flossing dislodges plaque from especially hard-to-reach spots in your mouth.
Here are some simple things that you can do to optimize your daily oral hygiene routine:
Use the right toothbrush—you may already know that there are different types of toothbrush bristles available—soft, medium, firm, and extra firm. Most people will do well with soft toothbrushes, as soft bristles can effectively clean teeth without causing unnecessary enamel erosion. Talk to your dentist about what type of toothbrush is right for you!
Be patient—try to brush your smile for at least two minutes every time that you brush. If you want help keeping track of the time, try setting a timer or listening to a song that is about two minutes long.
Drink plenty of water—water allows your body to produce saliva, and saliva works to naturally neutralize bacteria and remineralize! Help your body protect and maintain itself.
Don’t skip—one of the most important things that you can do is to stay diligent and persistent. Don’t skip days brushing and flossing—remember: plaque is building up all of the time, so you need to be just as unyielding in fighting it.
Our Cheney dentists are here to help you perfect your oral hygiene routine, so give us a call to schedule a personal consultation!