Getting in the motion — five tips to improve your daily oral care habits

You’ve heard it before. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily for a healthier smile. But what else can you do on a daily basis to improve your oral care habits? We suggest these five tips.

1. Brush Properly

It’s not enough to just brush your teeth. You have to do it correctly. If you’re not, it’s almost as bad as not brushing at all. So in addition to brushing for two minutes, you should move your toothbrush in gentle, circular motions — emphasis on the gentle. Brushing too hard can wear down enamel and lead to receding gums and tooth sensitivity.

 

Also use your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, making sure to get the gumline, outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and tongue.

 

2. Consider mouthwash

If you’re brushing and flossing, you might be hesitant to add another step, but here’s why you should reconsider skipping mouthwash. Mouthwash will reduce the amount of acid in your mouth and cleans hard to brush areas in and around the gums. Ask your dentist for recommendations to find the right one for you.

 

3. Think about what you consume

What you eat and drink each day affects your oral health. So our first suggestion is to drink plenty of water. Particularly, if you drink water after every meal, it can help wash away some of the effects of acidic food and beverages between brushes. Of course, limiting acidic and sugary foods is our next suggestion. Too much of these types of foods will wear down enamel, leading to cavities. So, it’s important to be mindful.

 

4. Choose products carefully

First of all, get a quality toothbrush. Particularly, electric toothbrushes have been shown to remove more plaque and achieve healthier gums than standard manual toothbrushes. If you’re hesitant to shell out money for an electric toothbrush, then you should look for a manual toothbrush with soft bristles.

 

While you’re at it, make sure you’re looking at more than flavor or whitening power when buying toothpaste. Whatever you choose needs to contain fluoride. It’s the leading defense against tooth decay.

 

5. Find the best local dentist

You should visit your dentist twice a year. That means it’s essential to find the right local dentist. You want someone who is easy to talk to, trustworthy, and passionate about providing you the best care.

 

If you’re in the Visalia area, consider Ross Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Andrew Ross specializes in comprehensive family care and cosmetic dentistry. He’s committed to precisely diagnosing and best treating his patient’s dental problems. Schedule an appointment today to be on your way to a healthier more beautiful smile.