What do we do to take care of our teeth? The answer is a two-pronged approach: brushing and flossing. Actually, it would be better to see a Midlothian family dentist and create a dental hygiene routine for yourself to keep your teeth healthy.
Ever seen those toothpaste and mouthwash ads on TV? They are trying to sell you the equipment that will replace your regular teeth brushing and flossing routine at home. But if you really want to improve your dental health, you must master the art of taking care of your teeth at home. We would be happy to share with you some tips on how to take care of your dental health at home.
So, let us see how to take care of your teeth at home properly.
- Tooth brushing
Toothbrushing is essential as it removes tooth plaque that causes bacteria to grow under your gums. Toothbrushing also helps remove food debris and oral bacteria. However, you should never brush your teeth for more than two minutes. You should brush only the surface of the teeth for 1 minute and then remove all the toothpaste from your mouth and spit it into a cup or on the side of the sink. After this, you can start brushing your tongue by gently brushing down from top to bottom with a soft toothbrush. Then, move to back teeth and then front teeth using a soft-bristle brush. Brush each section twice before moving to the next section. If you miss any places while brushing, just repeat until done doing so.
- Flossing
When it comes to flossing, you should never hold the floss tightly between your fingers. This is because your fingers will create a gap that will prevent the interdental spaces from being cleaned. It would be best if you move your index finger under the tooth and then up against the upper gum line. Next, pull the floss gently through until you reach the next tooth. Then, repeat this for each tooth one at a time in different directions as you go along. Flossing will help you remove the plaque that cannot be removed by regular toothbrushing. Make sure to floss daily to keep your mouth healthy and clean.
- Rinsing
After you have finished brushing and flossing, you should rinse your mouth with a mouthwash. This is to help remove the residue from the other procedures. If you want to stay away from bad breath or the smell of toothpaste that remains in your mouth, then make sure to gargle every day with a good-tasting mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide helps disinfect the back of your teeth and gums and reduces bacteria growth.
