Since October is National Dental Hygiene Month, we thought it was an excellent time to help you brush up on your oral hygiene routine. Our dental hygienists work hard to make sure your smile stays as healthy as possible and want you to do your part outside of the office too! Here are a few easy tips for you to keep in mind:
- Brush for at least two minutes twice a day.
Have you ever really timed yourself when you brush your teeth? On average, a person will brush their teeth for about 45 seconds, which is half the amount of time they should spend brushing their teeth. Next time you are ready to brush, get a timer out and make sure you brush for two minutes.
- Floss once a day.
Flossing tends to be a habit people skip but to keep plaque and bacteria away, you need to floss at least once. If flossing is a habit you can’t do before bed, choose another time of day to floss instead. Maybe floss after lunch to freshen up your mouth and get food particles out of your teeth.
- Replace your toothbrush.
If you’ve had your toothbrush for a while, you need to replace it. Actually, you need to get a new toothbrush every three or four months, according to the ADA. Make sure you choose a soft-bristled toothbrush with the ADA seal of approval on it. Or get an electric toothbrush, which is often a great way to do a more thorough cleaning.
- Don’t rinse after brushing.
While it’s tempting to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth, fight that temptation! You are actually rinsing away the benefits of fluoride from the toothpaste and reducing its effect. If you use a fluoride mouthwash, consider using it at another time of the day instead of using it to rinse your mouth.
- See your dentist every six months.
A dental cleaning and exam is one of the best ways to stay on top of your dental health. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, make it part of your new oral hygiene routine.
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