Proper dental hygiene is essential to maintaining oral health. It is essential to take care of your teeth and your gums. Our dental professionals at Sherwood Dental have some basic tips that will help you to improve dental hygiene regimen. These steps are super easy and anyone can follow them. Check them out and give them a try.
TIP 1: BRUSH YOUR TEETH
Brushing is Definity on the top of the list. Don’t believe us? According to the American Dental Association (ADA) everyone should brush at least two times a day for a minimum of 2 minutes each time. We recommend using a soft toothbrush with a compact head. Soft bristles are kinder to our tooth structure and our gums. A smaller head will make it easier to reach your molars. It is important to follow proper technique as well:
- Place your toothbrush at about 45-degree angle to the gums
- Use short gentle strokes (avoiding scrubbing!)
- Brush all surfaces: outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
If you choose to use an electric toothbrush your technique will vary. Make sure you follow the manufacture’s recommendations and if still uncertain discuss with your dental hygienist or dentist.
TIP 2: FLOSS
Most people hate to floss. We get it. But flossing helps to prevent tooth decay (especially between our teeth) and helps to maintain the health of our gums which are both important to overall oral health. Try to floss a minimum of once per day, preferably before going to bed. When flossing, make sure that the floss tightly hugs your tooth and gently slide it beneath the gum line as well. Also, always remember to floss the backside of your last tooth in each corner of the mouth. A quick flossing demonstration can be found at: https://www.colgateprofessional.com/education/patient-education/video-library/daily-flossing-technique
If you gave it a solid try and you are still having trouble there are other options including flossers and water flossing devices. You can check out the Waterpik water flosser at:
https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/why-waterpik/
TIP 3: CLEAN YOUR TONGUE
Bacteria do not only build up in your teeth. Bacteria and other particles can build up on your tongue as well. This can cause bad breath (halitosis) and discolouration on our tongue. There are two main options for cleaning your tongue: brushing and scraping.
If you decide to use a toothbrush you should start at the very back of the tongue and gently work forward all the way to the tip. Make sure you brush the entire top surface of the tongue and rinse your mouth after.
Alternatively, you can use a tongue scraper. To do so you should stick your tongue out, place the scraper at the back of the tongue and with light pressure move it towards the front. Rinse the scraper and repeat if needed. Always remember to rinse your mouth the tongue scraper when done.
TIP 4: USE MOUTHWASH
Consider using a mouthwash. Mouthwash is not a substitute to proper brushing and flossing but it can be helpful to the health of our teeth and our gums. Therapeutic mouth rinses can help to reduce plaque, tooth decay, inflammation of gums, and bad breath. They can also help to manage dry mouth. We know that there is lots of options out there and we would be happy to give you a more specific recommendation based on your needs. For now, to make it easier for you, we suggest looking for an alcohol-free rinse that has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of acceptance. Some therapeutic ingredients to look for include cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, essential oils, fluoride, and peroxide.
TIP 5: AVOID SUGARY AND ACIDIC FOODS AND DRINKS
Sugary and acid foods and beverages should be avoided. A well-balanced diet is necessary for good health and wellness. Proper nutrition is not only a vital part of overall health but it is also critical in maintaining good oral health. A diet high in sugar and acidic foods and beverages contributes to tooth decay (cavities). Some easy tips to keep in mind: drink plenty of water, limit snacking (if you do snack try to choose a healthy option like veggies, fruit, or cheese), and avoid drinking pop and juice.
TIP 6: VISIT THE DENTIST
Having regular dental checkups and cleanings should never be neglected. Your everyday dental hygiene routine should be complemented with a professional examination and cleaning. At Sherwood Dental we will be happy to examine the health of your teeth, gums and oral tissues. Our team will be happy to asses your dental hygiene and provide you with a personalized treatment plan and oral health instructions that will surely improve your daily routine and a beautiful healthy smile for years to come.
We know that your oral health is important to you. We hope that these tips answered some of your dental hygiene questions. Remember, practice makes perfect! But if you still have any questions or concerns please contact Sherwood Dental, and our dental professionals will be happy to help.
