There is no doubt that regular visits to your dentist are crucial to oral health. However, the most important aspect of your dental care is the daily routine you perform at home.
Brushing, flossing, rinsing – everybody knows that these are important steps for at-home dental care, but how can these be expanded and improved upon to maximize the benefits you reap from your oral health routine?
Bad Habits
Certain bad habits can significantly impact the health of your teeth and gums. Learning about and taking steps to avoid these habits will allow you to recognize and prevent the harmful side-effects they can have.
Smoking cigarettes, for instance, not only leads to bad breath and stained teeth but also puts you at a much higher risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
Sugary gum is also a problem. While chewing gum is a great way to produce saliva and cleaning your teeth of loose plaque and tartar, that calculus is immediately replaced with sugar, which is just as bad for your teeth. Sugar-free gum can provide these benefits without the side-effects.
Nervous oral fixations, such as nail-biting or pen-chewing can be hazardous as well. This habit can wear down your teeth over time, if not outright cracking them.
Use an Electric Toothbrush
We all know that when it comes to taking care of your teeth, brushing is non-negotiable. Most people brush at least once a day, although the recommended routine is two minutes, twice daily.
However, to get the most out of your brushing techniques, it is recommended that you use an electric toothbrush. Not only do they more effectively remove plaque and tartar buildup, but the vibrations also stimulate your gums, increasing blood flow and promoting better periodontal health.
Flossing
The idea and importance of flossing have well-stated by dentists for generations, and yet a shockingly large percentage of people still don't do it.
As much as we wish brushing could do all the work, those bristles simply can't reach every nook and cranny. Where the brush fails, though, floss shines. Removing the buildup of calculus from the hard-to-reach places in your teeth is vital to your oral health.
Don't Forget to Rinse!
Rinsing with mouthwash for 30 seconds after brushing and flossing not only freshens your breath, it neutralizes remaining bacteria. This means that lingering bugs and acids won't have the chance to repopulate and flourish.
Learn More at the practice of Steven F. Stanley, DDS!
Proudly serving the people of Los Angeles, our caring and compassionate team welcome patients to a lifetime of happier, healthier smiles.
To learn more about oral healthcare techniques, contact our office to schedule an appointment today!