Ways to Improve Your Dental Hygiene Routine

Dental hygiene is the practice of keeping your mouth clean to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious conditions. Proper dental hygiene will keep plaque and tartar from forming. Here are a few simple tips to keep your mouth healthy.

Brush Your Teeth

• Brush for two minutes, twice a day.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
• Choose a toothbrush with a soft head and a small head, as these are the easiest to grip.
• Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle.
• Brush the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria.
• Brushing after meals helps remove bacteria and food particles.

Floss

When you floss, make sure you do it properly! Many people tend to rush through brushing and flossing, not spending enough time to clean every crevice of their mouth. When you rush, you miss parts of your mouth, and soon bits of food can get stuck between your teeth. This can cause plaque that you don’t want to deal with.

Keep Your Gums Healthy

Use dental products that help protect against gum disease and tooth decay. This includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and a water flosser.

Maintain Your Diet

Eating healthy foods is key to maintaining good oral health. The more you eat, the more bacteria build up in your mouth, which can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Some foods and drinks may even stain your teeth.

To control your diet, try to eat nutritious foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Limit your consumption of foods and drinks that are high in sugars and starches, like candy, soda, and fast food.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

The best way to ensure that you maintain a clean, healthy smile is to visit your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning. These appointments will give your dentist an opportunity to clean your teeth and check for any signs of tooth decay or other oral health conditions. Regular checkups and cleanings can also help your Dentist in Fort Smith or Dentist in Rogers to identify any problem areas, so they can recommend the appropriate treatment.

Replace Your Toothbrush Every 3 Months

Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 months. The bristles on your toothbrush become worn and frayed over time. The bristles lose their efficacy and can’t clean your teeth as effectively. Also, the toothbrush itself could become worn, which could cause bacteria to grow.

Preventative Dentistry also educates people about the benefits of good oral health. Get in touch with Parklane Family Dental for the best dental treatment and care. Call Dentist in Fort Smith, AR at (479) 782-0080 (Fort Smith, AR), (479) 484-0777 (Fort Smith, AR), or Dentist in Rogers, AR at (479) 273-0004 (Rogers, AR) to book an appointment or visit any of our locations.