When you take the time to care for your smile at home, you greatly reduce your risk of suffering from gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. Our Santa Monica dentists are here to help you optimize your oral hygiene routine. Keep reading to get some useful tips that you can apply to your at-home dental routine.
Let’s start by talking about how you can get the most out of your brushing routine. You probably already know that you should be brushing your smile once in the morning and once before bed. But did you know that each time you brush your smile you should be brushing for at least two minutes? Gentle, sustained brushing is the best way to remove plaque from your smile.
You also want to make sure that you’re using a toothbrush that is appropriate for your smile. Make sure that your toothbrush:
· Is well-sized, so that it can reach into the small spaces in the back of your smile
· Has the right type of bristle for your smile—soft-bristled brushes are right for a wide variety of dental patients, and these bristles are less likely to cause premature dental erosion or gum damage. Talk to your dentist about what level of bristle is right for you.
· Has been switched out recently—the general recommendation is for patients to get new toothbrushes every three months, and after suffering from an illness
The American Dental Association also recommends that dental patients floss their smiles once a day. The best time to do this is at night, right before you brush your smile. By flossing first, you dislodge entrenched dental debris and food bits; then you can effectively brush them away to refresh your smile.
Want to learn more about caring for your smile at home? Our Santa Monica dentists are here to help! Give us call to schedule a personal consultation.