If you are looking for a way to take your smile to the next level, it may be time to take a look at your daily oral hygiene routine. An optimized at-home oral hygiene routine will help you avoid the oral health problems that come along with plaque and tartar build-up. Our Cheney dentists are here with some simple and straightforward tips, so keep reading!
When you care for your smile day to day, you are probably already brushing your teeth diligently. The American Dental Association recommends that patients brush their teeth once in the morning and once at night. But there’s so much to consider beyond that!
First of all, make sure that you’re using a toothbrush that meets your needs. The toothbrush head should be small enough so as to fit into the back corners of your smile, as these are the areas of your mouth that are most prone to developing plaque and tartar build-up. You also want to pay attention to the type of bristle you’re using. Brushes are sold with soft, medium, firm, and extra firm bristles. Most people will actually fare well with soft bristles, as these are strong enough to clean your smile without being too harsh on enamel and oral tissues.
Now it’s time to look at technique. Many people are surprised to learn that you should actually be brushing for at least two minutes every time you brush. The goal is to brush gently for a prolonged period of time, rather than applying a lot of pressure for a shorter period. Move your brush in small circular motions over the flat surfaces of your smile, so as to buff away plaque and dental debris.
Keep your eyes open in the coming weeks for more tips on at-home oral hygiene routines. We are here to help you make the most out of your daily efforts. If you have questions, please contact our Cheney dentists by giving us a call, or by using the Contact Us page on our site to submit your inquiry. We look forward to speaking with you!