Get More From Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine With Tips From Our O’Fallon Dentists
You’re already taking the time to clean your smile twice a day; our O’Fallon dentists are here to help you make sure that you’re getting the most out of your efforts. Keep reading to get some tips on how to clean your smile most effectively day to day.
The American Dental Association recommends that patients brush their teeth twice a day—once in the morning and once at night before bed. The first thing to make sure of is that you’re using a type of toothbrush that is appropriate for you. When you take a look at the toothbrushes on the market today, you’ll notice that they come in different bristle strengths: soft, medium, firm, and extra-firm. Most people will do well with a soft-bristled brush, and, in fact, firmer bristles can actually cause inadvertent dental erosion and oral tissue damage. If you aren’t sure what type of toothbrush you should be using, talk to your dentist!
On to technique! Perhaps the most important thing to ensure is that you are not applying to much pressure when you brush. You should be applying light, gentle pressure in order to clear away plaque without thinning enamel or harming gum tissue.
You want to try to brush for at least two minutes every time that you brush, so set a timer, or listen to a two-minute-long song to help you stay on track! Move your brush in small circular motions over the flats surfaces of your smile in order to buff away oral bacteria. When you get to back molars, you can move your brush in more of a back and forth motion in order to dislodge bacteria from the crevices in your smile’s bite surfaces.
It’s also important not to skimp on flossing; the ADA recommends flossing once a day. The best time to do this is at night, right before you brush. The goal is to disrupt entrenched plaque so that you can then brush and rinse it away.
Want to learn more about caring for your smile at home? Our O’Fallon dentists are here to help you! Give us a call to schedule a personal consultation.