Optimizing your daily oral hygiene routine is important to maintaining a healthy smile. Our Elmhurst dentists are here to give you some tips on how to get the most out of your at-home cleaning routine. And remember, you can always contact our dental team for further guidance and information!
Consistency
The first thing to keep in mind is that in order to achieve results you need to clean your smile consistently. For most dental patients, this means brushing morning and night, flossing at night, and using any dentist-recommended mouthwashes necessary.
Proper Tools
You also want to make sure that you are using the right oral health tools for your needs specifically. Most people, for example, will be able to effectively clean their smiles using soft-bristled toothbrushes. In fact, medium and firm bristles may be too abrasive for your smile, so as to cause enamel and gum tissue damage. Our dental team will help you determine what type of toothbrush is right for you.
There are also many types of toothpaste on the market today. Generally, fluoridated toothpastes deliver the best results, because fluoride works to re-mineralize dental enamel. Again, please reach out to our dental team if you are not sure whether fluoride is appropriate for your smile.
Small Tweaks
If you are already covering these bases, check your routine to determine whether you can improve your oral health efforts by:
- Ensuring that you are brushing your teeth for at least two minutes every time that you brush
- Making it a point to floss at night directly before you brush your teeth
- Moving your floss both vertically and side to side as you clean between all of your teeth
As always, our Elmhurst dentists are happy to provide you with more information. You can also schedule a consultation with our team to get more personalized recommendations.