Dental Hygiene

A regular brushing routine doesn’t necessarily guarantee that your teeth are receiving all the attention they need. Proper brushing technique, together with daily flossing can make the difference necessary to ensure a healthy smile for your lifetime. Our team of dental hygienists have prepared a list of tips to help you get the most out of your time with the toothbrush!

• Use proper technique. Begin with your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use tiny strokes across the sides and tops of your teeth. Change your grip on the brush to vertically deliver some shorter strokes to the backs of your teeth where plaque often builds.
• Brush long enough. A quick once over with the brush just isn’t enough time to adequately clean your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends brushing for at least two minutes, twice daily. Set a timer on your phone or listen to a short song to give yourself sufficient time to thoroughly clean all the surfaces of your teeth.
• Select a proper brush. Reach for a brush with a head and bristles small enough to reach in to the crevices of your molars. Small or medium-sized toothbrushes are usually the best for most adults. Power brushes can be great choice and often include an automatic timer to help you brush long enough.
• Floss properly. Just like brushing, flossing technique is important so that you reach between teeth and remove germs that are stuck there. Use about 18 inches of floss and use a fresh area of floss every few teeth.
• Look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance on the toothpaste you use. Select fluoride enriched toothpaste which is suitable for adults and children past a certain age.
• Get regular professional dental cleanings and dental exams. Visiting your dental hygienist and dentist every 6 months can help you catch dental concerns before they become real problems. Your hygienist will remove any dental plaque which has accumulated on your teeth and assess the health of your gums. The dental will review necessary dental x-rays to look for issues which cannot be detected through a visual exam. He will also provide an oral cancer screening and address any concerns you have about your dental health.

Establishing a thorough and regular oral health routine is critical for a healthy mouth. Maintaining a great home oral care routine and regular visits to the dentist can help you make your teeth something you can smile about.