You are probably already brushing your teeth every day; that’s a great start! But are you really taking the time to get the most of your oral hygiene routine? Today we are going to find out.
Keep reading to learn more from our Elmhurst family dentists about you can care for your smile effectively and efficiently at home.
The first step in optimizing your brushing routine is to choose the right tool for the job. It all comes down to the three S’s:
Size: the brush head—the part that holds the bristles—needs to be sized appropriately for your mouth. This is especially important when it comes to pediatric toothbrushes; if the brush head is too big, you will not be able to clean the deep crevices of your molars.
Softness: toothbrush bristles range from extra soft to extra firm. The general rule of thumb is to pick the softest type of bristle you can without sacrificing quality or cleaning power. If you use a brush that is too firm for too long you may experience premature dental enamel thinning as a result.
Specialty: some dental patients will be better served using electric toothbrushes and supplemental tools like Waterpiks. If you are dealing with health issues like diabetes, for example, or if you are battling periodontal disease, an additional tool in your oral hygiene toolbox can make a big difference.
In the coming weeks, we will be talking about even more things to consider when designing your daily oral hygiene plan. If this article has sparked more questions in your mind, or if you are just not sure how to move forward with your own oral hygiene care, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Elmhurst family dentists for support.