Taking time to improve oral hygiene can be well worth the investment in your oral health, and will pay off over time. So what are some strategic changes you can make to your oral hygiene routine to improve your oral hygiene?
1. Brush Better
Making the most of your toothbrushing routine can go a long way to improving oral hygiene. It isn’t enough to just hit all the main areas in the mouth with the toothbrush, thorough and careful brushing can eliminate more plaque and bacteria than a quick brush around would. Time yourself, ensuring you brush for at least a full 2 minutes. One fun way to accomplish this is jamming out to your favorite tune, as most songs are roughly 2-3 minutes long. Using brushing apps, electronic toothbrushes, all can give the old toothbrush a bit of a glow up.
2. Floss Consistently
Flossing is even more important, knowing that brushing alone doesn’t reach the most important places at risk for the most cavities. To improve oral hygiene, being thorough is the foundational goal. A good brushing does a lot, but floss reaches in those tight, hard to reach spaces your brush just can’t hit. Flossing thoroughly after a good brush can give your mouth a refreshing clean that brightens your day and your smile.
3. Use The Right Tools
Depending on your needs and situation, you may need different tools for a cleaner mouth. Denture users still need to clean their mouth, but a good gentle brush will go a long way. Folks with braces may need special tools to reach between brackets and wires. Depending on your needs, ask your dentist what tools will make the difference in taking the time to improve your oral hygiene routine.
4. Eat Well
As much as hearing this from mothers, doctors, and other loving friends and family, that you need to eat well seems to really put a damper on grabbing that last cupcake, eating well really does have its benefits. This doesn’t mean the occasional treat should be skipped at all times, but that prioritizing fresh produce, and avoiding too much sugar and acid can help keep your teeth clean, and your mouth healthy! Enjoy those treats, but in moderation, and always followed by great oral hygiene!
5. Drink Well
Soda, energy drinks, sugary teas, all can have a detrimental impact on your teeth, as they contain the perfect cocktail of enamel softening acids and sugars. Water and milk are both wholesome alternatives that support excellent oral health. Water especially can improve oral hygiene, as it washes away food debris and plaque producing bacteria with every cold sip.
Call our Sherman, TX, dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.