Getting into a good dental hygiene routine is a key part of maintaining strong, healthy teeth and avoiding unnecessary visits to the dentist! Just like implementing any good routine, brushing your teeth and taking time to floss takes some forethought and effort. Make sure you make it a priority to brush your teeth twice daily and to floss before you go to bed – this will avoid a buildup of plaque and nasty bacteria which is what causes most dental problems.
Use an Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes are far better at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes. This is because of the fast-paced oscillating movement which works effectively to remove bacteria from the teeth and get in the crevices that a manual toothbrush cannot. Electric toothbrushes often include built-in timers which are helpful if you find yourself brushing your teeth for too short an amount of time. Often, electric toothbrushes will buzz at the one-minute mark, showing you that you are halfway through, and then turn off automatically when the recommended two-minute mark is reached.
Electric toothbrushes are safe for gums and, unlike manual toothbrushes, it is difficult to press too hard and cause damage. Buying a good quality electric toothbrush can certainly be an investment but it is one that is well worth it for the known benefits to your dental hygiene. Make sure you do research into the best electric toothbrush brands before you make your purchase and read over some tips using an electric toothbrush.
Don’t Forget to Floss
Flossing should be part of your daily dental hygiene routine as it’s vital for removing bacteria between your teeth and reaching the plaque that your toothbrush can’t get to. If you don’t floss regularly, bacteria can build up between your teeth and cause you numerous dental problems like gum disease and cavities. If plaque is left on your teeth without being removed by floss, it can build up into a substance called tartar which is extremely difficult to remove and will take a visit to the dentist to deal with. Ideally, you should floss twice a day but a good floss before bed every night to remove bacteria before you sleep is a great thing to introduce into your dental hygiene routine.
Mouthwash is Great if You’re in a Hurry
Mouthwash is great if you’re in a rush – it’s capable of killing the bacteria that would otherwise build on the teeth and gums and cause dental problems. It is, however, not a replacement for brushing as it’s not able to remove plaque and food residue as effectively as brushing. Mouthwash should be used to supplement your brushing regime and can be used as a one-time replacement for a tooth brushing session if you need to run out of the door.
Looking after your teeth properly is part of having a healthy-looking smile. Don’t rely on your dentist appointment to fix problems with your teeth – implement a good dental hygiene routine and you can avoid many of the potential problems that could come up in the dentist’s chair. After a few weeks, your new dental hygiene routine will simply become a habit – start today!
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