The American Dental Association distributes guidelines and advice to help educate patients on how to maintain healthy mouths. Today our O’Fallon dentists are explaining some key ADA recommendations so that you can make the most out of all of your dental health efforts.
First of all, the American Dental Association has some key recommendations about your daily oral hygiene routine.
Brushing—brush your teeth at least twice a day—at least once in the morning and once before bed. Try to brush for at least two to three minutes in order to buff away as much plaque as possible. Also, make sure not to apply too much pressure to your enamel and gum tissues, as this can cause your oral tissues to become irritated and your enamel to thin over time.
Flossing—the ADA recommends that patients floss at least once a day; the most beneficial time to do this is at night before you brush your teeth. Floss between all of your teeth, and use a fresh portion of your strip of floss between each tooth.
When it comes to professional dental care, it is important to complete a professional cleaning every six months. Professional cleanings are better able to rid your mouth of plaque; these semi-annual cleanings give your mouth a clean slate so that you can better clean your smile at home.
The American Dental Association provides these basic, core oral health recommendations. It is then up to you and your dentist to tweak and tailor your oral health plan to meet your specific needs. For example, some patients may also benefit from incorporating a mouthwash into their routines.
When you are ready to schedule your consultation with our dental team, please call our O’Fallon dentists to get started. Working together we can perfect your smile and help you safeguard your oral health.