Your smile is the first feature that people will notice about you, meaning that you should take steps to ensure its health and beauty! And this National Dental Hygiene Month, your dentist in St. Albans wants to share a few tips with you to help you get your oral health back on track. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Brush Twice Every Day
You’ve probably been told your whole life that you need to brush your teeth daily—once in the morning and again at nighttime. Brushing before bed clears your mouth of the germs that accumulate throughout the day, while brushing in the morning does the same for the germs that amass while you sleep. Brushing this often reduces the risk of oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and more.
2. Use the Right Brushing Method
Of course, even if you brush as often as needed, it’s all for nothing if you don’t brush correctly! After picking up a soft-bristled toothbrush, follow these steps to clean your pearly whites:
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline.
- Use gentle, circular motions to brush the outer surfaces of your teeth. Don’t use a sawing motion, and don’t squash the bristles against your gums.
- To clean the inner surfaces of your teeth, tilt your toothbrush vertically and use up-and-down strokes.
- Spend about two minutes each time you brush and ensure that you’re not rushing or overbrushing—this can cause more harm than good!
- Spit out excess toothpaste after brushing. You should also avoid drinking anything or rinsing your mouth for a few minutes afterwards, to give the fluoride a chance to work.
3. Don’t Skip Flossing
It’s estimated that nearly one third of Americans don’t floss their teeth at all—but flossing isn’t optional by any means and is just as important as brushing! Flossing doesn’t just clear those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth of leftover debris, but it also helps to stimulate your gums, reducing inflammation and plaque buildup. There are also many options for making flossing more accessible, including dental floss picks and Waterpiks.
4. Mouthwash Is Your Friend
Mouthwash benefits your oral health in three primary ways: it lowers the level of acidity inside your mouth, it cleans hard-to-brush areas around your gums, and it re-mineralizes your enamel! Mouth rinses are also very helpful for both younger and older patients where the ability to brush and floss might not be as easy.
5. Watch What You Eat
Fresh produce doesn’t just taste great; it’s also very beneficial for your oral health! Many fruits and vegetables contain healthy vitamins and minerals and chewing on them also provides valuable stimulation for your jaws. You should also avoid sugary drinks like soda, coffee, and juice whenever possible and opt for drinking water instead; not only is it the best beverage for you, but it helps to keep your mouth hydrated and clear of debris.
About the Author
Dr. Tyler Aten received his dental degree from the University of Connecticut and has taken an extensive amount of continuing education in various fields. His practice in St. Albans is pleased to offer several types of services including preventive, restorative, cosmetic options, and more. If you’d like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to visit the practice’s website or give them a call: (802) 524-4844.