Is Your Oral Hygiene Routine Efficient?
By now, you likely already know that oral health starts at home. This part of your hygiene routine can keep away bad breathing, prevent cavities, and reduce your chances of developing gum disease. We are here today to take a closer look at this routine to ensure that you are properly taking care of your pearly whites. In addition to the preventive measures you take at home, do not forget to come in for a checkup at your Cleveland, TX, family dentistry.
Taking A Look At Your Brushing Technique
You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes. If possible, you should do this after every meal. However, you should wait around thirty minutes after eating to brush. This step is essential in preventing bacteria from hardening into plaque, which can cause cavities and gum disease. You will apply toothpaste to the brush and use circular motions. Remember to reach every surface and do not forget to clean your tongue as well. Your pearly whites should feel smooth after this step. As a general rule, you should change out your toothbrush every three months. Along with this step, other lifestyle habits can help maintain your oral health. Try to eat a well-balanced diet, avoid smoking, and visit the dentist twice a year for a checkup.
The Importance Of Flossing
You should also be cleaning in between your teeth at least once a day. To do this, you can use a floss threader or water flosser. Make sure to get between each of your pearly whites during this step. Flossing helps remove bacteria from hard-to-reach surfaces. If you find that your breath does not seem fresh after brushing, it may be because you need to floss as well. This additional step helps combat bad breath, cavities, and gingivitis. While traditional string floss is preferred, if you have braces or other difficulty threading between your teeth, alternative tools such as a water pick can be used instead.
Teaching Your Little One About Oral Hygiene
Good habits can be built starting at a young age. If you have children, it is important to teach them how to properly take care of their smiles. Before their first teeth develop, you can clean their gums to get them used to this process. Then, when their primary teeth grow in, brush their teeth for them. As they reach the toddler stage, they may want to take this step themselves. You should supervise them as they do this to ensure they are being thorough and reaching every area. Just like you, you children should also come in every six months for checkups.
Come In For Your Checkup Today
Along with your at-home oral hygiene routine, you should also visit the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and examination. To schedule your checkup, call Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, today at 281.592.1234