You must have heard time and time again about how good oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining your overall health. But did you know that it entails more than just brushing and flossing your teeth? Good oral hygiene is something that requires commitment and knowing the most effective strategies for keeping not just your pearly whites but your whole mouth clean and healthy.
We’ve gathered a few oral hygiene tips from our highly credentialed dentist, Dr. Steven Hagerman, here at Hagerman Dental Care to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile well into your golden years.
Tip # 1 Know how often you should brush your teeth.
It’s a given that you need to brush your teeth regularly, but you also need to be careful not to do it too often, as such can also be damaging to your gums and enamel. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes every time is usually more than enough. After each meal, just do some vigorous swishing with water or an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent the food debris from getting stuck in between your teeth and keep your mouth clean.
Tip #2 Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
Constant exposure to sugary foods and drinks can be bad for your teeth. This is because certain bacteria use sugar as a food source and metabolize it into lactic acid. Lactic acid is very efficient at dissolving the minerals in your teeth, eroding your tooth enamel, and consequently causing cavities.
Tip #3 Change your toothbrush regularly.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or whenever you notice the bristles have gotten frayed. Heavily used toothbrushes can make for a good breeding ground for bacteria. They are also much less effective in removing food debris and plaque, which can lead to bacteria overgrowth in your mouth.
Tip #4 Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush.
You may think that using a medium- or hard-bristled toothbrush can leave your teeth cleaner, but it can actually be abrasive and damaging. If you’re using one, consider ditching it now.
There’s also no need to brush too vigorously. Instead, brush your teeth with just a gentle amount of pressure, in a short and circular motion, tilting your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gumline.
Tip #5 Don’t forget to clean your tongue.
Your tongue has tiny, raised protrusions called the papillae within which bacteria can thrive. It, therefore, makes sense to clean your tongue as often as you do your teeth.
Run a tongue scraper or your toothbrush forward and backward along with your tongue, then rinse your mouth with warm water.
First-Rate Dental Care in St. Paul, MN
By providing the highest quality of comprehensive dental care, Dr. Hagerman and our entire team live up to our dedication to guiding the men, women, and children in St. Paul and beyond along the path to optimal oral health.
To learn about our dental services or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hagerman, call our office today at (651) 646-2392. You can also request an appointment right here on our website, and one of our friendly staff members will call you to confirm your visit.