A beautiful smile is almost universally recognized, and the most important component of a beautiful smile is a healthy set of teeth. As a result, the message your smile sends can be made or broken by your oral hygiene routine. But, if you’re like most people, caring for your teeth is one of those automatic grooming practices that has become so ingrained in your daily routine that you don’t even think about it. Brushing and flossing are the foundation, but your mouth’s health is more than just your teeth. And, while oral hygiene may not be as visible as your hair routine or the outfit you wear every day, it may be far more important in the long run.
What is the perfect oral hygiene routine?
Everyone is unique. And everyone’s routine will differ slightly based on their age, occupation, diet, and other factors. Certain aspects of oral hygiene, on the other hand, are universal: daily care, routine professional checkups and cleanings, a healthy diet with few sugary drinks or sweets, and fluoridated water. Some of this can be done at home, so here’s a basic program to get you started on a healthy oral routine.
Brush your teeth twice a day. And not just a casual swipe. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, spending 30 seconds in each quadrant of your mouth. If you find it difficult to keep this up, consider using an electric toothbrush. There are several models that have timers that run for two minutes and beep every 30 seconds to let you know when it’s time to move on.
Aim for your gums by holding your brush at a 45-degree angle to the surface of your tooth.
Brush up and down on the front and back surfaces, then back and forth on the flat tops for the best results. Cover all of the bases: front, back, and top chewing surfaces.
Floss Floss your teeth at least once a day, preferably before going to bed. If you floss at the same time you brush, you should floss first. Flossing removes food particles trapped between teeth and helps loosen plaque, allowing brushing to be more effective. Use enough floss to ensure that each tooth has a clean section. This will be about a foot and a half in length. Wrap the floss around your index fingers and gently slide it up and down between each tooth. Wind off a clean section of floss for the next tooth when it becomes dirty. Make it all the way back to the molars!
If you find it difficult to hold a long piece of floss, you can now buy small “flossers” — a plastic holder with an inch or so of floss — to do the holding for you. You may require more than one for each session, but they can make the job easier and more efficient.
Brush your teeth
After you’ve thoroughly brushed and flossed your teeth, rinse your mouth with mouthwash. Any brand will suffice, so choose one with a flavor you enjoy and you’ll be more likely to do it on a regular basis. Pour a cupful of mouthwash into your mouth and swish it around for 30 seconds, making sure your lips are closed and the mouthwash remains in your mouth to do its job. After that, spit it out. This simple act removes tidbits of toothpaste and food that brushing and flossing cannot. It also leaves your mouth feeling completely refreshed!
Taking oral health to the next level
These are the fundamental 1-2-3 steps to good oral hygiene. It is just as important to clean your tongue as it is to brush and floss your teeth. Bacteria can accumulate on and between your teeth, as well as on your tongue, causing bad breath. Any bacteria that has clung to your tongue can be removed by scraping it with floss or scrubbing it with your toothbrush. It takes less than a minute, and while you don’t have to do it every time you brush, making it a regular part of your routine will improve the overall health of your mouth.
How can I tell If I’m doing well?
Aside from the fact that your mouth will probably feel fresh and healthy, there are a few specific things you’ll notice if your oral hygiene routine is effective. Even first thing in the morning, your breath smells fresh and your teeth feel clean “as a whistle,” not fuzzy. Your gums are a healthy pink color, never red. And they don’t hurt or bleed when you brush and floss, touch them, or eat them.
Of course, there are some issues and conditions that you cannot see in your mirror. We highly recommend Havasu Dental Center if you are looking for a dentist in Havasu AZ.
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