The Top 5 Oral Hygiene Steps You Should Definitely Never Skip!

Since childhood, you’ve been warned about the nefarious oral bacteria and plaque that seek to disrupt any measure of harmony that exists inside your mouth. And you’ve definitely heard about the dreaded “C” word: cavities. Like most people, you’re good about brushing your teeth at least once a day, but are there other ways you could be buttressing your dental health. As you continue reading, discover some key oral hygiene best practices that should be implemented immediately!

#1 – Brushing Your Teeth Twice a Day

While morning toothbrushing is a ritual for most people that helps to rid their mouth of bacteria that have festered overnight, this isn’t enough. You’ll be eating and drinking throughout the day, which means more oral bacteria growth that can quickly harden into plaque. Brushing at least two times a day helps to agitate and remove the debris that clings to the teeth, thus ensuring a cleaner and healthier mouth.

#2 – Using the Right Tools

Make sure your toothbrush has soft bristles so you don’t run the risk of damaging your tooth enamel (the hard-outer layer) and gums. It’s also important to use a toothbrush that easily fits into your mouth to allow for adequate cleaning.

If you have a history of cavities or you simply want the most thorough cleaning possible, consider using an electric toothbrush. With some models, the bristles move as fast as 30,000 rotations per minute, which translates into cleaner teeth.

#3 – Flossing After You Brush

Because it’s a little more time consuming and requires a bit more dexterity, flossing can sometimes be overlooked. This is a big mistake, as it’s just as important to your oral hygiene regimen as toothbrushing. The bristles on a toothbrush can’t get into the tight spaces between your teeth, but dental floss can. If you really want healthy teeth and gums, you should be flossing after every toothbrushing session.

#4 – Knowing When to Replace Your Equipment

As a basic rule, you should invest in a new manual toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric toothbrush every three months. If the bristles flay or become irregular, or you get sick, you should immediately replace the toothbrush or head.

#5 – Using the Proper Technique When Cleaning

Whether you’re brushing or flossing, it’s important to use the right technique. Otherwise, you could damage your tooth enamel or injure your gums. Here are some basics to always keep in mind:

• Toothbrushing – Move in a gentle, circular motion and position the toothbrush away from the teeth at a 45-degree angle while cleaning.
• Flossing – Carefully lower the floss between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion and form the material into a “C” shape to clean around each tooth.

By diligently following an at-home dental care regimen, you can maintain the absolute best oral health and experience pleasant dental visits!

About the Author

Dr. Jacob Milner earned his dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. A well-rounded professional, he is experienced in working with patients of all ages. Additionally, Dr. Milner has completed several hours of postgraduate training to further expand his knowledge. He practices at Dolfield Dental, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.