Quality oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing, are just as essential as other daily health habits such as sleep, diet and exercise. At Katy Trail Dental, we want to empower patients to take control of their oral health by encouraging effective oral hygiene practices and tailoring your care to address any problem areas, including dental cleanings and exams. It is incredible to see how gum health can be improved between visits, and your dentist and hygienist will notice! Here are some tips you can implement today to take control of your oral health:
Brushing
- Good brushing starts with a good toothbrush. We highly recommend an electric toothbrush as it is most effective at cleaning plaque and tartar. Worried about the cost? Once you invest in the electric toothbrush, the upkeep is similar and just as cheap as changing a regular toothbrush as you only need to switch out the toothbrush heads.
- Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head when the bristles start to fray or become worn – about every three to months.
- Use gentle pressure when brushing. Aggressive tooth brushing can irritate the gums and even cause gum recession in some cases.
- Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline. Picture the bristles cleaning right at and just below the gumline by using this technique.
- Be sure to brush all sides of each tooth – the cheek side, tongue side, and biting surface. It is especially important to brush the furthest side of your very back teeth.
- Brush the surface of your tongue. This removes bacteria and can help freshen your breath.
- Brush after every meal. By cleaning away food debris and plaque consistently throughout the day, you can guarantee a fresher smile and breath, as well as prevent sugar from food and beverages from causing cavities in the long term.
- Use fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride is essential in preventing tooth decay (cavities) as it remineralizes tooth enamel (the outer, protective layer of your tooth) and can even stop cavities from progressing in the earliest stages of tooth decay.
Flossing
Be sure to floss! Toothbrushing cleans the outer, inner and biting surfaces of your teeth, but does not adequately clean the side surfaces between teeth.
- Use a long piece of floss. About 18 inches is recommended, approximately the length from your hand to your shoulder. This will allow you to wrap it around your fingers with a good grip and have space to guide the floss between teeth.
- Gently guide the floss between your teeth with a rubbing motion. Try not to pop the floss down too forcefully, as doing this can damage the papilla, or gums, between the teeth.
- Focus on each tooth as you floss at the gumline. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth at a time. Think of it as cleaning the entire side of the tooth, rather than just at the contact point where the teeth meet.
Other Helpful Tips
- Reduce your daily intake of sugary food and beverages.
- Use a straw when drinking sugary beverages to minimize contact with your teeth.
- Drink plenty of water. Tooth decay occurs when the mouth is acidic, which occurs after eating or drinking. Water neutralizes and hydrates your mouth, promoting a healthy oral environment.
Dentist-Recommended Resources: