Time To “Brush” Up On The Basics Of Oral Health Care
Many of our hygiene habits are learned, so an incomplete explanation can leave damaging gaps in our knowledge. We want our patients’ dental hygiene knowledge to be up-to-date so they and their family members can have healthy teeth and gums for life. Even for our patients who normally get a clean bill of health from us at their oral hygiene visits, it never hurts to review the basics.
Two Minutes Is Longer Than You Think
Even young children know that you need to brush for two minutes twice a day, but few adults can explain how to use that time effectively. Follow these tips for an even, effective brushing session:
- Give your teeth equal attention — If you brush without a plan, you could miss a lot of plaque, leading to problems down the line. Instead, if you divide the top and bottom rows of teeth into sections, front, top, and back, dedicating twenty seconds to each section will help you achieve a more comprehensive clean.
- Your gums get brushed, too — Everyone tells you to brush your teeth, but far fewer have specified that you need to brush your gums as well. By dedicating some brushing time to your gums, you’ll ensure that the areas of your teeth along the gumline are getting cleaned effectively, and you’ll help prevent gum disease.
- Use the right toothbrush — We recommend a soft-bristled electric toothbrush for your daily routine. There are many affordable options sold at drugstores and supermarkets. A manual toothbrush is acceptable if that’s what you prefer, but only an electric toothbrush is capable of providing the vibrations and precision coverage necessary for a truly thorough cleaning.
Floss for Effectiveness
Flossing is about more than getting in and getting out. Dental floss is meant to scrape plaque off hard-to-reach places, so you need to pull it slightly under your tooth and make sure it hugs the enamel as you lift the thread out. Do this for both sides of each tooth, and don’t forget the backs of your rear molars. Even consistent flossers can forget the very back sections, and this can lead to unhealthy gums in the back of your mouth.
Our final tip: Make sure you see us at least twice a year. Following our advice at home is great, but even the best at-home habits can’t do the job of professional dental equipment. Make sure you and your family come in for regular checkups and cleanings to ensure optimal oral health for the long haul.
If you’re ready for a hygiene examination and cleaning or have a concern about your oral health, call Today’s Dental Comfort located in Burton, MI to schedule your appointment. We’re here for you!
