Approximately 27% of adults lie to their dentist about how often they floss their teeth. An even higher percentage of adults admit to not flossing at all.
Whether you're truthful or not about
your dental care routine, following your dentist's oral care tips is essential
in preventing discomfort and health problems. Continue reading our dental care
guide if you want a smile that looks and feels healthy.
Take
Your Dental Care Routine Seriously
One of our top oral care tips is to
take your dental-care routine seriously. This involves following the
recommendations given by your dentist as closely as possible.
Without a strong oral care plan, you
face discoloring, discomfort, and a high chance of serious health problems
resulting from tooth and gum infections.
Brush
Your Teeth Every Night
Nearly every dental care guide
recommends brushing at least twice per day. However, some people only manage
once per day. If that's the case, be sure you brush before bed.
Your teeth accumulate food
particles, germs, and plaque throughout the day. Get rid of them each night
with a thorough brushing.
Don't
Treat Flossing as Optional
Many people neglect to floss, even
some who follow their dental-care routine religiously otherwise. Flossing
removes food and germs that fill the small spaces between your teeth, which a
toothbrush can't reach, and should be done daily.
Remember
to Brush Your Tongue
Some people forget that food and
plaque can accumulate on your tongue in addition to your teeth. This leads to
bad breath and bacteria build-up in your mouth.
For this reason, you should brush
your tongue every time you brush your teeth. Scrub on top and underneath of
your tongue to clean it effectively.
Incorporate Fluoride
Mouthwash or Toothpaste
Whether you like to end your
brushing routine with mouthwash or just stick with toothpaste, make sure you
have a dental care product that contains fluoride. It is one of the leading
products that protect against tooth decay by attacking germs and creating a
protective barrier.
Schedule
Regular Dental Appointments
Dentists such as Dr. Suzanne Caudry can
help you with everything from dental implants to dental hygiene, so it's
important to see them regularly. Part of practicing good oral care is
preventing serious problems by catching them early.
You should see your dentist for a
routine exam and cleaning at least once each year. They can advise you on any
necessary treatments or changes to your routine to keep your mouth in good
health.
Change
Your Toothbrush
One of the most important oral care
tips we have is to change your toothbrush regularly. Many people hold on to the
same toothbrush for far too long.
Once your toothbrush passes a
certain threshold, it's not as effective at keeping germs at bay. You
should be changing it every 3 to 4 months for maximum effectiveness.
Keep
Up With Your Dental Care Routine
Take your dental-care routine
seriously if you want to avoid painful oral care complications. Use the above
dental care guide to keep your smile looking and feeling healthy.
For more helpful tips and guides,
check out our blog.