Dental Hygiene: Everything You Need to Know

Dental hygiene is maintaining your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy and clean to help prevent diseases. Here we have suggested ten habits to help you improve your dental hygiene and keep your smile looking fresh and shining.

Toothbrush Hygiene

Pick a soft-bristled toothbrush with a smaller to medium-sized head. Make sure you brush for at least two minutes per session. To keep your brush in good condition, wash it off to let it dry after you've finished brushing. Avoid sharing or covering it since this encourages and propagates bacteria. Make sure to change your brush every 3 to 4 months. Many electric and manual toothbrushes come with a color warning on the bristles.

Use Proper Brushing Technique 

To get better results from brushing, follow these:

• Starting at your gum line, keep your brush at a 45° angle.
• Make sure to clean every corner and crevice between your teeth.
• Don't forget to brush your tongue and gums gently.

Use a Tongue Scraper

A tongue scraper rinses away excessive oral bacteria. Please include it in your daily oral hygiene routine to get rid of bacteria and refresh your breath. In case you use a soft-bristled toothbrush, you can simply brush your tongue.

Floss Properly

Make sure to follow these tips while flossing:

• Make sure you have about 18 inches of floss.
• Most of it will be wrapped around the middle fingers, leaving 1 to 2 inches of space on each side.
• Make sure that the floss is secure between your index finger and thumb, and then gently move it between your teeth, making sure you use clear sections as you move from tooth to tooth.
• Be sure to floss gently below the gumline.

After Snacking, Brush

Brush twice per day, in the morning and at night before going to bed. If you do have an evening snack, make sure to brush your teeth late at night. 

Use a Mouthwash

Mouthwash helps reduce gingivitis and plaque, whitens teeth, and relieves dry mouth. It also has antimicrobial benefits as well as fluoride content.

Integrating these dental practices, routines, and habits will transform your dental health from being good to excellent. Don't forget to visit your dentist at least twice per year, and you'll be proud to showcase your healthy and radiant smile.

Please reach out to our dental practice in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Corbo. Please call us at (954) 434-2234 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.