Most of us have heard that the secret to a bright, beautiful smile is proper dental care. We understand that brushing and flossing twice a day are crucial steps to maintain strong and healthy teeth. However, there’s more to good dental health than these simple instructions. Cleaning techniques, tools, professional support, and consistency matter not just for your natural teeth but also for dentures, bridges, and single dental implants. Read on to learn about oral hygiene tips that your current routine may be missing.
Brush Your Tongue
Many people don’t realize that the tongue is a magnet for bacteria. Bacteria accumulates on the surface of your tongue and in the crevices between taste buds. These bacteria form a biofilm over your tongue that can’t be removed by just rinsing your mouth or drinking water. Even mouthwash may remove all traces of the biofilm. Regular tongue brushing is the answer. Experts recommend using a soft toothbrush to brush back and forth as well as side to side before rinsing your mouth with water. Regularly cleaning your tongue helps fight bad breath and promotes better oral health.
Replace Your Toothbrush
Many people don’t give much thought to how long they use their toothbrush. It’s not uncommon for people to replace a brush only when the bristles have frayed, discolored, or changed shape. However, experts suggest switching out your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3 to 4 months. Frequent use can make your toothbrush less effective at removing plaque. Overused brushes may also harbor bacteria that increase your risk of bad breath and oral infections. If your toothbrush bristles are frayed, splayed, or discolored, change your brush. A brush that smells bad may indicate the presence of unwanted bacteria, so get a new one.
Clean Your Toothbrushes
Rinsing your toothbrush every time you brush isn’t enough to get rid of bacteria and food particles. Without proper cleansing, these elements can build up on your brush and enter your mouth every time you brush. To get rid of bacteria, you can rinse your toothbrush with steaming hot water before and after use. Some experts suggest rinsing it with an antibacterial mouthwash or dissolving a denture tablet in water and soaking your brush in the liquid overnight. You can give electric toothbrush heads the same treatment and wipe the toothbrush base with a damp towel and a few drops of cleaning liquid.
Incorporate the Right Brushing Technique
Brushing twice daily can be less effective if you’re not using the right techniques. Try these tips:
- Use circular motions: Avoid harsh scrubbing that could damage your dental enamel. Instead, brush your teeth using gentle, circular motions.
- Position the brush: When brushing your teeth, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. This helps remove plaque and food particles trapped near your gumline.
- Brush for around 2 minutes: Spend 2 minutes carefully brushing all surfaces of your teeth. Brush the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces. Divide your mouth into four quadrants and spend around 30 seconds brushing each area.
You can also use a gentle, antibacterial mouthwash to help protect your teeth and mouth. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash that contains fluoride for additional benefits.
Don’t Miss Your Dental Appointments
Dental health professionals recommend seeing your dentist for a checkup and professional cleaning at least twice a year. These checkups allow dentists to identify any potential problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay, before they can progress. Untreated dental problems can result in patients needing further treatment or procedures (like root canals) down the line. A professional oral health checkup can help prevent minor issues from getting worse. If you have dental prosthetics like implants or bridges, a checkup can help ensure your dental aids are functioning as they should.
The value of regular brushing and flossing cannot be understated, but good oral health may require additional steps. The right brushing techniques, regular checkups, and toothbrush hygiene can help maintain good oral health. Don’t neglect your oral hygiene, even if you’re using dental prosthetics. People with natural teeth, dentures, or dental implants in Colorado Springs can all benefit from taking steps toward better oral health.
