Your smile is important, and for reasons beyond your appearance. To protect your teeth, it is important that you have good oral hygiene habits. Good oral hygiene goes far beyond brushing your teeth. There are several things that you need to do on a regular basis, including seeing your dentist. Here’s what you need to do to have good oral hygiene and prevent dental work.
Brushing Your Teeth for Good Oral Hygiene
You probably know that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, but are you brushing your teeth properly? Make sure that you cover every tooth from the front and from the back, as well as along the gum line. You should be brushing your teeth for an average of two minutes, which might not seem like much, but it is longer than you think.
Flossing
There are a lot of people that skip flossing, or they don’t know how to floss properly. You need to floss at least once per day, more if you get food between your teeth. When you floss, take a string of floss about 18 inches long, wrap it around your fingers, and work it between the teeth in an upward “C” motion. Make sure you get between every tooth and by the gum line.
Dental Cleanings
You should be seeing your dentist at least once every year, preferably every six months, for a dental cleaning. Regardless of how well you brush and floss your teeth, a dentist can get your teeth and gums cleaner than you can at home. Regular dental cleanings can help prevent cavities and gum disease, as well as catch any dental issues before they become serious.
If you have not had a dental cleaning in the last year, contact us today for more information or to schedule your appointment.
