One of the absolute best things that you can do for your smile is to optimize your at-home oral hygiene routine. Your daily brushing and flossing routine is hugely important for your smile—are you getting the most out of it?
Our Elmhurst dentists have a number of tips for our patients regarding daily oral hygiene.
1. Make sure you are brushing at the correct times
It is most beneficial for your smile for you to brush in the morning and also right before you go to sleep. It is key that you give your smile a “fresh start” at these critical points in the day.
2. Use the right type of toothbrush
Most patients should be using a soft bristled toothbrush—harsher/stiffer bristles can lead to gum tissue irritation, and cause dental enamel erosion. If your dentist believes that you should be using a different type of bristle, he or she will tell you.
3. Switch out your toothbrush regularly
Over time your toothbrush bristles can become breeding grounds for oral bacteria. Replace your toothbrush, or your toothbrush head if applicable, every three months or so—sooner if it starts to look frayed and tattered.
4. Be patient!
Every time that you brush, try to clean your teeth for at least two minutes. It is much better for you to brush gently for a full two minutes, rather than to brush with more pressure. Gentle, sustained cleaning allows you to buff away harmful plaque and bacteria, without harming your enamel and gum tissues.
When you meet with our Elmhurst family dentists, we can give you even more oral hygiene tips. Plus, we can tailor our oral hygiene recommendations to suit your specific smile and oral health needs. We look forward to speaking with you—get started by calling our office or using our Contact Us page to submit a question/comment.