Don’t Forget Your Smile in 2017! Tips From Our O’Fallon Dentist
This year, our O’Fallon dentists want to make sure that you are laying a strong foundation for your smile. Now is the time to recommit to a thorough and effective oral hygiene routine. You may also want to add some beneficial habits into your daily life, so that your 2017 smile stays healthy and attractive all year long.
Keep reading to get some ideas on how you can supercharge your oral hygiene plan!
Brushing is the cornerstone of any strong oral hygiene routine, so take a look at your brushing habits to make sure that they are benefiting you.
· Talk to your dentist about what type of bristle strength you should be using—most people are fine with a soft bristled toothbrush
· Time yourself to ensure that you are brushing your teeth for at least two minutes every time that you brush
· Make sure to brush in the morning and at night—but make sure to wait at least 20 to 30 minutes after consuming something acidic, as your enamel is weaker after acid exposure
While the ADA recommends that patients brush twice a day, you only need to floss once a day. The most effective time to floss your smile is at night, right before you brush your teeth. Also, make sure to gently and comfortably guide your piece of floss down into your gum tissue as you clean your smile—this helps to minimize your risk of gum disease.
If you don’t feel like your mouth is consistently fresh and clean from brushing and flossing alone, talk to your dental team about incorporating a mouth rinse into your routine. There are formulations that are designed specifically to freshen breath, combat gum disease, and strengthen enamel.
As always, please reach out to our O’Fallon dentists for more information and guidance. We are here for you!