We have all heard that our dental hygiene routine should include brushing twice a day and flossing. While this is a good baseline, simply brushing and flossing may not be enough to keep your oral health in the best shape possible.
Electric Toothbrush vs. Traditional Toothbrush
An electric toothbrush is often considered more effective than a traditional toothbrush. With an electric toothbrush, you do not have to brush back and forth but simply guide the brush through the quadrants of your mouth and let the brush do the cleaning. An electric toothbrush can be more effective in removing particles, especially if you tend to see more plaque and calcium buildup in your mouth. Many electric toothbrushes also have a built-in 2-minute timer.
Brushing too hard with an electric or traditional toothbrush can damage your gums. Use a 45-degree angle towards the gum line and brush softly to avoid damaging your gums and wearing away the enamel.
Remember to Brush Your Tongue
Your tongue has millions of bacteria living on it and can contribute to bad breath as well as plaque buildup in your mouth. Be sure to gently brush your tongue while brushing to remove bacteria. You can gargle with mouthwash after to freshen your breath and kill more bacteria.
Are You Flossing Correctly?
Are You Flossing Correctly?Did you know that it is advised that patients floss before brushing their teeth? Flossing prior to brushing can remove the loosened debris. Be sure to rinse with water afterward you floss to get rid of the bacteria and debris that the floss loosened.
Flossing once a day is extremely important to your oral health. Even the best toothbrush can’t fully clean the spaces between your teeth. That’s why the American Dental Association recommends you floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque.
Talk with your dentist and try different flossing tools to see which one you like best. Many people find that string floss works well. Dental picks and tiny brushes can be good for reaching out-of-the-way spots. There are pre-threaded flossers that come fitted with picks or brushes at one end, giving you a couple of different ways to get between the teeth. Or a water flosser, which uses a gentle stream of water to rinse away food and plaque, can be useful if you find other tools hard to work with. People with braces, bridges, and other dental work may find that a water flosser helps them reach every nook and cranny.
Keep a Toothbrush at Work
You may want to bring a toothbrush to your office because you never know when you may need to brush your teeth. If you get food particles stuck in your teeth after lunch, it’s always good to have an extra toothbrush around for emergencies. Be sure to keep your toothbrush covered to prevent dust and particles from accumulating on it.
Dental Hygiene Tips from Webster Dental in Downers Grove
These dental hygiene tips will help you keep your mouth healthier. If you have any questions about your hygiene routine, Lori, your dental hygienist is happy to help. Whether you have questions about flossing correctly or have questions about what type of toothbrush to use. Our team at Webster Dental can help you create the best hygiene routine possible. We want you to have the peace of mind that our Webster Dental staff will provide you with the very best care for your oral health and appearance.
When you need a dentist in the Western Suburbs, call Webster Dental in Downers Grove at 630.663.0554. We are conveniently located at 1121 Warren Avenue, Suite 130, in Downers Grove, Illinois 60515. Our dental office is in the heart of downtown Downers Grove, close to the METRA train, restaurants, boutiques, and the historic Tivoli theatre.