Are you taking proper care of your teeth? Many people don’t realize that their daily routine is leaving them at risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you want to have healthy, white teeth and strong gums, follow these 5 essential tips for proper oral health.
Brush Under The Gumline
We all know that it’s important to clean our teeth, gums, and tongue daily, but few of us brush properly to remove the built-up plaque that is hidden underneath the gum line. To remove this sticky deposit before it turns into tartar, place the toothbrush against the teeth at a 45-degree angle up to the gumline and then move the brush in a small circular motion. For the back of the teeth, aim the brush up against the gumline and flick your wrist in a downward motion. This will ensure that not just the surface of your teeth are cleaned but also the tricky areas under the gum line that fester bacteria and cause decay and gum disease.
Floss In A C-Shape
Are you flossing daily? If not, now’s the perfect time to start. Even if you experience a little blood at first, this will soon subside after you remove all the bacteria – so don’t let this prevent you from giving your teeth a floss. To properly floss you need to wind it around the middle finger and then form a C-shape around the tooth so that you can gently floss up and around the gumline.
Use Mouthwash Daily
If you think mouthwash only makes your breath smell fresh, you’re mistaken. Rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash will help to kill any remaining bacteria that your floss has missed. In fact, brushing, flossing, and mouthwash go hand in hand – you need all three to give your teeth a sufficient cleaning.
Give Your Clean Dental Appliances A Regular Cleaning
Do you wear braces, Invisalign or have a bridge or implant? You should also give these a thorough brushing and rinse every day. If you can’t seem to get at certain areas or between brackets, talk to your dentist about the available options out there.
Wear A Mouthguard
If you play sports or engage in activities that put your teeth at risks such as hockey, baseball and downhill biking, it’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. Those who also suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) can also benefit from wearing a well-fitted mouthguard at night to protect their teeth from excessive wear.
Visit Your Dentist
Even if your teeth look and feel healthy, it’s crucial for you to visit your dentist at least two times a year. Some oral conditions only become obvious in their later stages, and only a thorough inspection can identify any preliminary symptoms. So be sure to make your appointments for the rest of the year and stick to them.
At Yazdani Family Dentistry, we don’t just take care of your teeth; we also help you to maintain that healthy smile. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your dentist, maybe it’s a sign that it’s time to make a switch to a new one. We are currently accepting patients. Just check out our website to see all of the extra perks that we have to offer – from processing your insurance forms for you to comfort menu’s to enjoy while you wait, and even financing options. Get in touch today!