Mill Valley Dentist Helps You Make Simple Improvements To Your Dental Routine

Written by Dr. McConnell on Feb 2, 2021

Making small improvements to your daily oral hygiene can make a big difference to the state of your smile over time. Here are some helpful tips from our Mill Valley dental team 

Use The Right Brush 

The cornerstone of your effective oral hygiene routine is brushing. However, in order to maximize your results, you want to make sure you are using the right brush for the job. Toothbrush bristles are available in various levels of firmness; for most people, a soft-bristle toothbrush is appropriately effective and gentle.

Be Strategic 

There are certain times throughout the day and night during which your dental enamel is and softer than usual, and thus more susceptible to damage. For example, your enamel becomes temporarily weaker and de-mineralized after exposure to acidic foods or drinks. Our dental team recommends that you wait until your enamel is re-mineralized to clean your smile—this takes about 20 to 30 minutes after acid exposure.

Refresh Your Mouth

Dental plaque—which contains bacteria—is building up in your mouth all day long. Boost your oral health by being just as consistent about killing bacteria. Try to get into the routine of rinsing your mouth with water, after you eat or drink anything other than water. If you do end up needing to dislodge any food particles that are stuck between your teeth, it is safer to use floss, rather than metal or wooden toothpicks.

Floss Effectively

Take the time to shop for a type of floss that works for your smile, specifically. The primary things to consider is whether the floss you are using is appropriately thick. Floss needs to fit between all of your teeth, and you need to be able to move it from the top of the crown down into the gum tissue. 

Try incorporating some of these strategies into your regular routine, and see what a difference it can make to the way your smile looks and feels! If you have additional questions, our Mill Valley dentists are always available to help you out—just give our office a call!