As a local Redwood City dentist, we practice preventative care so that our patients can stay in excellent oral health and avoid common problems like cavities and gum disease. This starts by practicing good oral hygiene at home and following it up with regular trips to our dentist office. During your appointment, we will remove any bacteria and plaque that you were unable to reach during regular brushing and flossing. There are, however, ways that you can increase the effectiveness of your daily health care routine.
Here are teeth brushing tips to try:
- Start with the brush. In order to get a good clean, you need to start with a good toothbrush. We recommend that you use a soft toothbrush because a hard one can irritate your gums and start to strip the enamel way from your teeth. This can lead to sensitivity and can even make your gums bleed.
- Three months max. Don’t use your toothbrush for more than three months. They start to become ineffective when you use them for too long because the bristles break and fray. When you notice that it doesn’t look like it is in good condition or is becoming stained, make sure to replace it. Otherwise, use the three-month rule for buying a new one or replacing the head on your electronic toothbrush. As a Redwood City dentist office, we also give out toothbrushes at teeth cleaning appointments.
- Keep it dry. Your toothbrush needs to stay dry and clean. If you go to brush your teeth and it is wet, more bacteria could be lingering on the brush itself which could make your mouth even dirtier. Use a toothbrush holder so that it can air out during the day.
- Movement matters. Your tooth brushing technique can make a difference in how clean your teeth get. Move your brush around in circles and that go from top to bottom on your upper teeth and bottom to top on your lower teeth. This way food and bacteria are brushed away from your gums and roots.
- Brush it all. Many people make the mistake of only brushing their actual teeth. You need to brush every area of your teeth including the gum line. Also brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth as these areas can harbor bacteria as well.
- Toothpaste. Use toothpaste that has the American Dental Association seal. We also recommend using one with fluoride because it can help to strengthen your teeth by placing minerals directly onto them.
- Frequency. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, more if possible. In the best case scenario, our patients would brush their teeth after every meal, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash. These habits will help to prevent both cavities and gum disease from forming.
As a Redwood City dentist, we can help you to stay in good oral health by removing the bacteria and plaque that you were unable to get with at home care. Call today to schedule your exam.
