Looking after your teeth is an important part of staying healthy. If you take care of your teeth, they can take care of you. But do you do enough to keep yours clean? A good oral hygiene routine, in combination with regular visits to the dentist, are the most important things when it comes to the health of your teeth. It is important to do all of the following things on a daily basis.
Brush
Obviously, one of the most important things you can do is brush your teeth thoroughly. You will want to brush them a minimum of twice a day. Brushing after every meal would be ideal, but is understandably hard to do for many people. When you brush, you will want to divide your mouth into four quadrants. Each quadrant should be brushed for a full 30 seconds, totaling 2 minutes overall. Be sure to pay special attention to the gum line. Holding your toothbrush at a 45° and pointed down toward the gums is ideal.
Floss
Most people brush every day, but far fewer bother to floss. Flossing is very important for dislodging tiny particles of food that may have become stuck and can eventually lead to decay. You should floss your mouth once a day. Be sure to not skip the back teeth. In order to avoid damaging your gums, try to move the floss up and down along the curve of your tooth.
Clean Your Tongue
The tongue is often neglected in the oral hygiene routine. You can keep your tongue clean by using your toothbrush, a bit of floss, or buying a specialized tongue scraper. Whatever method you use, be sure to be gentle.
Mouthwash
Rinsing your mouth out after brushing, flossing, and cleaning your tongue will make sure all of the nasty stuff you just brushed and flossed out is gone for good. Be sure to swish it around in your mouth a full 30 to 60 seconds so that it has time to work its magic.
Additional Tips
On top of cleaning your mouth, eating a healthy and balanced diet is an important part of keeping your teeth healthy. Avoid drinking too many sodas or other sugary drinks. On top of coming in for regular dental check-ups and cleanings, be sure to give your mouth a once-over yourself when going through your oral hygiene routine. If you notice any swelling or soreness, it is time to schedule an appointment.
If you have any questions about maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, we warmly invite you to reach out and make an appointment with Central Texas Orthodontics! At our office in Austin, TX, we would be happy to schedule you for an appointment where your individual needs and concerns can be addressed. Contact us today to set up your consultation!
