You brush. You Floss. You take care of your teeth. But are you sure you’re doing those things correctly? As diligent as you are, it’s only natural to miss a few important steps. Here are three oral hygiene best practices that you shouldn’t neglect.
Make Sure Your Toothbrush is Clean
Most people are a little bit cautious with what they put in their mouths but make an exception when it comes to toothbrushes. You may have never thought about it, but over time bacteria from food particles can start to build up on the brush head. To avoid this, you should rinse off your toothbrush with steaming hot water before and after use. If you’d prefer, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can also prevent germ buildup, and leaves your mouth feeling extra minty.
Replace Your Brush
We’ve all looked down at a sad, beaten-up toothbrush and said, “this is probably fine for one more day.” The truth is that once bristles start to fray, your brush simply can’t do its job as well anymore. Dentists recommend swapping them out every 3-4 months.
When you do get a replacement, get one with bristles soft enough to use comfortably. You also might consider switching to an electric toothbrush; studies have shown that they are better at removing plaque and preventing gum disease than their manual alternative.
Thoroughly Clean Your Tongue
Oftentimes, dental hygiene is focused on our teeth. That’s fine, but most of your mouth is taken up by your tongue, which is covered in tiny ridges that collect bacteria. If you don’t clean properly, that bacterial buildup can lead to bad breath, gum disease, and even tooth decay. For that reason, you should gently scrub your tongue from back to front every time you brush.
If you’re brushing and flossing every day, you’re already on the right track. That said, it wouldn’t hurt to schedule your biannual check-up to make sure nothing’s fallen through the cracks. Your dentist will let you know everything you should be doing to make sure your smile stays as bright as possible. In the meantime, incorporate these tips into your daily routine, and you’ll be one step closer to dental perfection.
About Our Practice
Lyndon Family Dental believes that the best offense is a good defense, and the best way to beat dental disease is to stop it before it starts. That emphasis on prevention means we provide comprehensive screenings and oral healthcare to everyone who sees us for a check-up. If you have any questions about day-to-day dental hygiene, we can be reached via our website, or by phone at (315) 449-0711.