If you want to establish lifelong oral health, it starts with a steady dental hygiene routine. While most people ensure they brush their teeth, few of us take the time necessary for it to be effective. We rush to brush before we head off to work or school. We rush, or just skip, brushing our teeth before we go to bed at night. Every time we fail to spend enough time to complete our dental hygiene correctly, our future smiles suffer. The Dentistry of Miami team is dedicated to helping our patient’s families get the most out of their dental care and oral hygiene practices.
A Complete Guide To Routine Dental Care
An essential step in your oral hygiene process is brushing regularly. When done correctly, the bristles of your brush will eliminate the presence of plaque and bacteria to help prevent the onset of decay. However, many people aren’t brushing their teeth correctly. There’s more to the process than merely putting toothpaste on your brush and rubbing it over your teeth. Your choice of a toothbrush, the type of toothpaste you use, the amount of time spent brushing, and the angle at which you hold your brush. These all add up to an effective brushing experience that will leave your teeth shining and healthy.
Effective brushing can be achieved with these tips:
- Make sure you brush twice daily, once in the morning and once at the close of your day.
- Your toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle to ensure the bristles get beneath the gum line.
- When brushing, hit every surface of your tooth, including the rear of your molars.
Flossing is often spoken of in a way that suggests it’s optional. However, flossing is more than a simple boost to your dental hygiene routine. This practice ensures that food and debris don’t get stuck between your teeth and cause decay which won’t be noticed until the damage is done. Floss comes in the traditional spool style, but you can also find it on special tools that make flossing easier. These tools come in two varieties, disposable and refillable.
- When flossing, make sure you pull the floss against the edge of the tooth, so it hits all the curves and corners.
- Neither your teeth nor gums should hurt when you floss, so be sure to do so firmly but gently.
- Make sure you get between every one of your teeth to get the best results.
Two other important aspects of your oral hygiene practices involve brushing your tongue and using mouthwash. Your tongue is just as much a home for bacteria and plaque as your teeth and gums can be. Brushing your tongue helps to ensure it’s clear of both and also helps to reduce or eliminate halitosis or bad breath. Using an antibacterial mouthwash is the perfect way to ensure your smile is as bright and clean as possible.
Learn More About Oral Hygiene With Dentistry Of Miami
If you’re ready to take the next important steps in preserving your oral health, it’s time to contact Dentistry of Miami at (305) 598-2622 and schedule your next visit. During your appointment, we’ll review your dental hygiene practices and help you learn where to make changes to ensure better results. You’ll also receive a professional dental cleaning, the perfect capstone to your oral care. You’ll meet with Dr. Eduardo Solorzano or Dr. Randy L Furshman at our office in Miami, FL.
