4 Ways to Improve Your Oral Hygiene
Life is hectic at times and oral care can seem like the least of your worries. The problem with not making brushing, flossing, and related habits a focus is that their absence can lead to other unwanted problems. Our Washington, MI, dentist suggests prioritizing your oral hygiene to avoid such issues.
Here are a few ways you can put your first and prevent gum disease.
1. Brush Teeth Properly With Good Technique
Our dentist, and many others, recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and do so with fluoride toothpaste. It’s also important to use proper technique when brushing so that every tooth surface is clean and free from plaque.
If you brush your teeth poorly, it’s almost the same as if you didn’t brush them at all. To ensure a more in-depth clean, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to scrub your gums and teeth at the same time. Don’t rush and move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions. Remember to also brush before bed to remove accumulated plaque from the day.
Bonus tip: use an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing to wash your mouth out and clean hard-to-brush areas.
2. Take Time to Floss Thoroughly
It’s not uncommon for many individuals to push flossing to the side and ignore it altogether. When people do manage to floss, however, they only do so to remove pieces of food left behind. Dr. Lesinski advises you to shake this habit of neglect.
once a day is just as important as brushing your teeth. Picking up the floss and working your way in between every tooth stimulates the gums, reduces plaque, and lowers inflammation in the area. If you need guidance, we can offer tips on better flossing during your next oral exam.
3. Show Your Tongue Some Attention
You’re always told to care for your teeth and gums but it’s important you don’t forget about your tongue. Plaque does not discriminate and can build up similarly on your tongue if not cleaned regularly. This can result in bad mouth odor and other related oral health issues.
An easy way to combat foul breath is to gently brush your tongue every time that you brush your teeth. You’ll find that even this small adjustment will help the smell and rid your tongue of harmful .
4. Drink Water and Eat Healthy Foods
You’d be surprised what a and drinking water will do for your oral health. Choosing water throughout the day over other beverages like sodas or acidic juices will not leave unwanted sugar on your teeth. Instead, it will wash away food debris and help you fight dry mouth every time you reach to take a sip.
Fruits and vegetables also work wonders not only for your mouth, but for your body as a whole. Fresh, crunchy produce are excellent sources of fiber and deliver a needed workout for both your teeth and jaw. If you wish to consume sweets, try to do so in moderation and remember to brush your teeth thoroughly before bed.
Schedule a Cleaning Today
Seeing Dr. Lesinski every six months, or twice a year, can positively impact your oral health. Regular hygiene at home paired with a professional cleaning by our , will prevent the onset of gum disease or other complications. Make an appointment today by calling Washington Family Dental at (586) 752-4545 or feel free to contact us online.
This blog has been updated.