Every day, you take the time to care for your smile and clean it thoroughly. But, are you doing everything you can to get the most out of your at-home oral hygiene routine? This short article is going to help you answer this question. Our Mill Valley dentists are here with some tips on how to effectively clean your smile, and care for your teeth day to day. Let’s get started!
So, most patients already know that they need to brush their teeth at least twice a day. The best time to do this is in the morning, after you wake up, and at night, right before you go to bed.
Here’s one thing that few patients do, and many people don’t even realize they’re supposed to do: you really should brush your teeth for at least two minutes every time you brush. Try setting a timer or listening to a two-minute-long song to keep track; you may be surprised at just how long two minutes really feels.
In order to protect the health of your smile for the long term, you also want to pay attention to how much pressure you’re applying as you clean your teeth. Brushing too firmly can actually lead to dental damage, like enamel thinning and gum tissue recession. In that same vein, make sure that you’re using a toothbrush with appropriately soft or firm bristles for your dental needs; most patients will actually do well with a soft-bristled brush.
The ADA also recommends that patients floss between their teeth every day. In general, the optimal time to do this is at night, right before you brush your smile. This allows you to dislodge compacted plaque and bacteria before promptly brushing it away.
As always, our Mill Valley dentists are here to give you any additional information or recommendations that you may need. Give us a call to schedule a consultation with our team—we look forward to seeing you!