Without regular care from home, oral bacteria could lead to plaque buildup and with it, stained teeth, bad breath, and yes, an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. To help protect your smile, you need to take action from home. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX, dentist will explain the steps necessary to properly brush your teeth!
Twice a Day
You should make time to brush your teeth a minimum of two times. You should start first thing in the morning before you have breakfast, and then again in the evening before going to bed. These actions help remove trapped food particles attached to your teeth or between them, preventing bacteria from having the chance to break them down, a process that could lead to elevated oral acidity, plaque and tartar buildup, stained teeth, bad breath, and even cavities or gingivitis!
Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Do you prefer manual or electric? Well, you can use either! As long as you take time to clean your teeth twice a day, other one is effective. Just make sure you do so for at least two minutes, which ensures you reach every surface of your smile. We do urge the use of soft bristles, as hard or medium bristles could eventually weaken outer enamel if you clean too hard. The toothpaste you choose is a major factor too. We suggest one with fluoride. You can check the packaging for the word fluoride, or for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptant. Fluoride helps strengthen the outer enamel to keep your smile strong. Be wary of any that boast whitening capabilities. Often, whitening toothpastes contain abrasive agents that could weaken outer enamel with time.
Don’t Forget to Floss
While brushing your teeth is crucial, you also need to floss. The bristles on the toothbrush may not be able to reach in between the teeth, or to remove food particles from along the gum line. But when you floss up and down each side of every tooth, and dip below the gum line when you do, you remove these stray particles thoroughly, and help limit the risk of decay or gingivitis. You should do this every evening, and you could also carry floss with you to so can excuse yourself after each meal and clean your smile.
If you have any questions about keeping smiles strong and health from home, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ORAL HYGIENE?
We know that routine care each day from home helps keep teeth and gums strong and healthy. For more information on keeping smiles healthy from home with routine care, then contact Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in Houston, TX today by calling 281-974-4494.
