ORAL HYGIENE AT HOME TIPS FOR A HEALTHY SMILE

Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day

The morning and before bed are the ideal times to brush your teeth. When you brush, take your time cleaning each quadrant in the mouth. You can also brush after you have had a sugary drink or snack to help neutralize the acids in the mouth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue!

Toothbrush and Fluoride Toothpaste

It is important that you choose a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth and is not too large. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean teeth and gums as medium and harder bristled toothbrushes can actually erode the soft tissue of the gums. You should always use toothpaste that contains fluoride to help keep your enamel strong. Ask Dr. Edwards which kinds of toothpaste are least abrasive to teeth and gums.

Brushing Technique

Holding your toothbrush at a 45° angle and aiming the bristles toward your gums, gently brush in a circular pattern. Take your time as you go over each tooth and area. Remember to brush for 2 minutes making sure you clean all of the surface areas inside and outside as well as chewing surfaces.

Keep Your Toothbrush Clean

After you are done brushing, run cool water over your toothbrush to remove any excess paste. Let the toothbrush dry out completely between brushings to deter any growth of bacteria. Don’t store your toothbrush in an air-tight or covered container for long periods of time.

Replace Toothbrush Every 3 Months

Ideally, you should replace your toothbrush every 3 months or sooner. If your bristles become flattened, you may want to replace it sooner. It may also indicate you are brushing your teeth too hard. 

Floss Your Teeth Every Day

Using about 18 inches of dental floss, gently floss between each tooth every day and don’t forget behind the back molars. Flossing is a great way to remove excess food particles that become trapped between teeth and remove some of the bacteria left after brushing. Flossing will actually strengthen your gum tissue so that it is less likely to bleed during brushing and flossing.