Many people tend to skip over brushing their teeth, and more often than not, flossing. We tend to look past the importance of oral health, because we’ve been told it is our routine from the day we are born. Unfortunately, lack of oral care or lack of proper oral care can be detrimental to your overall health. We customize our oral health to fit our lifestyle, but are we doing it properly? Some people believe they only need to brush their teeth at night, or only in the morning. Others are chronic teeth brushers, brushing their teeth multiple times a day, throughout the day. With everyone’s differing opinions, what is the right way to maintain your oral health?
The perfect way to maintain your oral health is by brushing and flossing. Seems simple enough, right? Well, it is necessary to brush twice a day, three times if you find it necessary after eating lunch. Brushing your teeth should consist of a toothpaste that benefits your specific oral health, and brushing for two minutes. From there, it is important to not brush too hard, gentle circular strokes is preferred. Picking a toothbrush is also important. Whether you choose to brush by hand or have an electric toothbrush, choosing a small head with soft bristles is recommended by many dentists. This allows for the toothbrush to reach in the hard to get places, such as the back molars, and the soft bristles do not tear up your soft tissue. It is important to remember to replace your brush every couple of months, or when the bristles start to show signs of wear and fray. If the bristles start to get worn down, they can tear away at your gums, leading to sensitivity.
Along with brushing your teeth, flossing is equally important. Many tend to gloss over the fact they should be flossing, but flossing and brushing teeth are the perfect duo for great oral hygiene. Floss allows you to reach in between the teeth, where plaque tends to settle. Between the teeth is also where food can get caught, so with floss, you will be able to remove any unwanted debris. This also does not allow tartar to form, because the excess plaque is diminished.
If you would like more tips and tricks on how to properly take care of your oral health and stay on top of your oral hygiene, contact your dentist. Your dentist and their team of specialists will be able to provide you with all of the answers that will best fit with your diet and health.