Good dental hygiene has a wide assortment of benefits. In addition to keeping your mouth healthy and disease-free, it also promotes a beautiful smile and fresh breath. But how do you ensure your dental hygiene is up to par? Here are five actionable tips from the pros here at Sand Springs Family Dentistry:
1. Brush At Least Twice A Day
Using a soft-bristled brush, brush your teeth twice each day. Ensure the size of the brush fits the size of your mouth (smaller for kids, larger for adults) and that you’re brushing in a gentle, circular motion. Replace the brush every 3-4 months or as soon as the bristles start to fray.
2. Use an ADA-Approved Toothpaste
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using fluoride toothpastes to brush your teeth. To find out if your toothpaste is ADA-approved, visit mouthhealth.org and scan for the ADA “Seal of Acceptance.” You can also ask the staff here at Sand Springs Family Dentistry during your next visit.
3. Floss Daily
Every time you brush your teeth, you should also floss. Flossing, or using a small piece of waxed string to remove particles of food from between the teeth, is one of the best ways to prevent cavities and dental decay, and ensure the bacteria that causes bad breath isn’t lingering in your mouth.
According to the ADA, the proper flossing technique is as follows:
- Using about 18 inches of floss, wind it around the fingers of each hand
- Hold the floss firmly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand
- Insert the floss between your teeth and curve it into a “C” shape to make contact with as many surfaces of the tooth as possible
- Rub the floss gently up and down the surface of your tooth
4. Eat a Balanced Diet
When it comes to your dental health, you are what you eat! To prevent problems like dental decay and bad breath from cropping up, be sure your diet is rich in healthy foods and that you’re not stocking upon between-meal snacks, or sugary, sticky foods that stick to the teeth and cause cavities.
5. Make Regular Dental Appointments
While it sounds simple, one of the most important things you can do to promote good dental hygiene is to make (and keep) regular dental appointments. Professionals recommend at least two dental visits per year (one cleaning and one checkup), although “high-risk groups” like pregnant women, cancer patients, and smokers may require additional care each year.
Kids may also need more frequent dental appointments than adults, since their mouths are changing at such a rapid rate.
Better Dental Hygiene with Sand Springs Family Dentistry
Your teeth are critical to your overall well being, and keeping them strong, clean, and cavity-free is one of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, it’s easy to learn good dental hygiene practices and to maintain them at home. For more information on good dental hygiene, or to book your annual check-up or cleaning, contact Sand Springs Family Dentistry now!
