It’s Time For An Oral Hygiene Review
Everyone learns their dental hygiene habits when they’re kids, but some parents don’t give the most complete explanation. Whether you’re checking for gaps in your knowledge or looking for an effective way to teach good oral hygiene to your own kids, it never hurts to go over the basics.
Keep reading for more!
Oral Hygiene Basics
A consistent oral hygiene routine can have positive effects on your overall health. That’s one reason it pays to be diligent when you brush and floss. Here are some tips for getting back to basics:
- Take care of your gums! Your gums are just as important as your teeth. In fact, your teeth couldn’t stay in your mouth without them. When you’re taking care of your teeth in the morning and at night, be sure to gently brush your gums as well. Turning your toothbrush on your gums will clean away plaque and food particles along the gumline.
- Brush every tooth! An uneven clean can lead to issues with specific teeth down the line. We find it’s effective to divide and conquer. Your top and bottom rows of teeth each have three sections, front, back, and top, making six sections in total. If every section gets twenty seconds, you’ll get an effective clean for exactly two minutes.
- Choose a good toothbrush! Soft-bristled electric toothbrushes are the best choice for brushing. Their bristles vibrate to clean more effectively than a standard toothbrush. If you’re unsure what brand to pick, be sure to ask us for a recommendation the next time we see you!
Floss effectively!
Flossing is a lot more specific than brushing. If you’re not careful, you can leave plaque buildup in the hardest to clean spots, so be sure you’re not just popping the thread up and down. Pull the floss slightly under each tooth, and make sure to scrape the tooth as you pull the thread back out. Do this for both sides of every tooth, and be absolutely sure to get the back sides of your rear molars. That’s a spot a lot of people forget.
Don’t Forget …
Finally, be sure preventative dental visits are part of your routine. Even the most dedicated at-home care can’t beat the cleaning power of professional dental equipment, so be sure to visit us at least twice a year for your regular cleanings and checkups. Call our office located in Bowie, MD to schedule appointments for the whole family.
