Your Midland Invisalign® Provider
Brushing and flossing are important parts of a good oral hygiene routine but, there are other important components you should be including as well. Our Midland dentists discuss them with you today.
Brushing
The most important thing you could do every day to keep your teeth and gums healthy is probably brushing your teeth. You should be brushing two or three times a day for two minutes each time.
To get the best possible results, brush each “quadrant” of your teeth (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left) for 30 seconds. Carefully brush all the exposed surfaces of your teeth, this includes the biting surfaces, backs, and fronts of every tooth.
Tip: Consider Using an Electric Toothbrush
An electric toothbrush will make cleaning your teeth easier. They don't need as much effort as manual brushes and make the correct brushing movements on your behalf. Choose an electric toothbrush with a round, rotating head, as this makes the ideal circular brushing motion.
On top of this, since the head is relatively small, it makes it easier to clean some awkward, hard-to-reach areas, such as the backs of your front teeth and your back molars.
Flossing
You should floss at least once a day, preferably at night before bed. Flossing dislodges food debris and build-up from between your teeth, in the places your toothbrush can’t reach.
Insert the floss between two teeth and run it up and down the side of each, pulling it into a “c” shape in both directions. Proceed slowly and thoroughly, and be sure to floss between every two teeth.
Dental Cleanings & Check-ups at Your Dentist's Office
An important part of maintaining good oral health is visiting your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and check-up.
Your dentist has the expertise and tools required to remove plaque and tartar build-up that you can't remove yourself with brushing and flossing.
Your dentist will also be able to identify dental problems in the beginning stages if they see you often enough, and treat them before they get worse. Oral health problems like cavities, gum disease, and even tumours, cysts, and other abnormalities are often not noticeable to the untrained eye in their early stages, so it's important to get your mouth evaluated regularly by a dental professional.
Diet
If you have a healthy diet that is calcium-rich you can help keep your teeth healthy from inside out. Also, limit your intake of starches and sugars because they are where oral bacteria can thrive.
Hydration
Staying hydrated can help prevent cavities! Drinking plenty of water will help you maintain a sufficient saliva flow, and saliva washes away the food particles that collect on your teeth and allow bacteria to multiply.
Supplementary Hygiene Aids
Oral hygiene aids are additions to your brushing and flossing routine. Good examples of supplementary hygiene aids include tongue cleaners, mouthwash, interdental cleaners, and oral irrigators.
These aids can help you keep your breath fresh, and prevent plaque from building up between brushing and flossing sessions. While they are not sufficient replacements for a thorough brushing and flossing routine, they can definitely help improve it.