Creating the Perfect Oral Hygiene Routine

What is your oral hygiene routine like at home? Are you doing everything that you can to take the best care of your teeth and gums? You may think that you have a good routine going, but there may still be ways that you can improve it. In fact, people often become lax with their oral health until they notice a problem.

Once you notice a problem, it's likely too late for you to do anything about it yourself. At that point, you need to start looking for a Florida dentist. At Towncare Dental, our goal is to prevent you from needing treatment for a dental problem. While you will still need to visit twice a year for regular checkups, you might be able to avoid any surprise trips to the dentist if you follow our tips below.

Get to Brushing

The first, and most obvious, thing you must do to keep your gums and teeth healthy is to brush your teeth. In general, it's a good idea to brush at least twice a day. This alone can go a long way in improving your oral health.

If you really want to protect your teeth, brush them after every meal or snack. Of course, not everyone has the time or ability to do this. If you can't brush, you could chew on sugar-free gum to loosen and remove stuck food particles.

Keep in mind that when you are brushing your teeth, you need to do so for two minutes each time. Many electric toothbrushes come with built-in timers that keep track of these two minutes. If you are keeping track of it yourself, set a timer on your phone.

To clean your teeth properly and evenly, separate your mouth in quarters. This makes it easy to brush each quarter for 30 seconds. That adds up to two minutes and makes sure that you have cleaned each area equally.

Let's Not Forget to Floss

You may be brushing your teeth every day, but are you flossing as well? What many people forget is that flossing is just as important as brushing. In fact, you should think of flossing as brushing but for the areas between your teeth that your toothbrush can't reach. Doing so stimulates your gums and removes food particles trapped in these areas. In some cases, food can be trapped there for days, which encourages bacteria growth.

The good news is that you have two main options when it comes to flossing: traditional floss and a water flosser. It doesn't really matter which one you use to floss your teeth as long as you are flossing every day.

Watch What You Snack On

Your diet has a pretty big impact on your teeth overall. If you can brush after every meal, then the impact is less. However, what if you can't? If that is the case, then you have to pay close attention to what you are snacking on in between meals.

Sugary snacks tend to stick to teeth and increase your risk of cavities. Instead, look for healthier options, such as vegetables. These snacks are good for not only your body but also your teeth.

Food isn't the only consumable that has an impact on your teeth, though. Just as important is what you are drinking. Avoid sugary drinks because they have the same effect on your teeth as sugary snacks.

Instead, sip on water throughout the day. It not only keeps you hydrated and your mouth moist but also helps wash away leftover food particles that might be in your mouth from your last meal.

Avoid Foods That Can Stain Your Teeth

Having white teeth is the perfect way to build confidence. However, did you know that many of the foods you may be eating could stain your teeth? Dark berries, chocolate and even tomato sauce can stain your teeth over time. If you want to keep your teeth white, limit your intake of these foods. You don't have to completely avoid them, but you don't want to eat them every day.

That said, food isn't the only thing that can stain your teeth. Drinks are just as bad at staining your teeth as food. In some cases, they are even worse. Coffee, red wine and soda are bad for leaving stains on the teeth. Unlike with food, though, you can limit the contact that these drinks have with your teeth by using a straw.

Use Your Teeth for What They Were Meant For 

Have you ever used your teeth for a task that they weren't designed for? If so, you aren't alone. Lots of people use their teeth as tools all the time, such as for opening bags, holding objects and opening bottles.

It might seem convenient at the time, but you are actually damaging your teeth when you practice these bad habits. Try to only use your teeth for what they were designed for, which is chewing your food.

Grab the Right Toothbrush

We have already covered that brushing your teeth is very important. However, did you know that what you are brushing your teeth with also matters? What you want is a toothbrush that has bristles of varying lengths. This makes it easier to clean all of the nooks and crannies of your teeth. On that same note, stay away from toothbrushes that have hard bristles. These toothbrushes can actually damage the enamel on your teeth.

We Can Help You With Everything Else 

The last thing you need to remember is that you can't do it all. At some point, you are going to need the help of a professional. Visiting your Florida dentist twice a year is a great way to stay on top of problems before they manifest into something worse. At Towncare Dental, we offer a full array of dental services for you and your family. Don't wait to call us today to schedule a consultation.