Having a good oral hygiene routine at home is essential to maintaining a healthy mouth! When you do a great job at cleaning your teeth consistently at home, you lower your risk for dental problems. This means less time in the dental chair and lower costs for dental care.
This article highlights some important ways you can improve your dental hygiene routine at home.
Better Brushing Technique
The most important aspect of brushing your teeth is not what type of toothbrush you use or the toothpaste you choose. It is the technique you use when brushing. The purpose of brushing your teeth is to remove dental plaque because plaque is the underlying cause of both cavities and gum disease.
If you are using the wrong technique when brushing, you could be leaving disease-causing plaque on the teeth. When brushing, you must ensure that the soft bristles of your toothbrush (never use a hard-bristled brush), gently swipe plaque away from the gumline of the teeth. Typically, a sweeping or circular motion best accomplishes this.
You must also make sure that the bristles are touching every exposed surface of the teeth, including the cheek side, the chewing surface, and the side facing your tongue.
A Better Brush
The type of brush you use is not as important as the technique you use, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important at all. Many people experience better plaque removal when they switch from a manual toothbrush to an electric one.
An electric toothbrush provides vibrations and/or rotations of the bristles, which has greater effectiveness at removing plaque. Electric toothbrushes are a useful tool for anyone, but they can be especially helpful for those who have trouble manipulating the toothbrush to accomplish the right technique. We recommend electric toothbrushes for anyone with reduced manual dexterity, such as children, physically challenged individuals, and the elderly.
Flossing the Right Way
The effectiveness of flossing is also dependent on your using the right technique. Many people think that any flossing is good enough. Unfortunately, it is possible to floss the teeth every single day and leave large deposits of plaque between the teeth.
The best technique for flossing to remove as much dental plaque as possible is known as “C-shaped flossing”. Once you push the floss past the place where two teeth touch each other, you then wrap the floss around one tooth (in the shape of a C) and move it in a vertical motion so that the floss cleans any plaque debris from the side of one tooth. Then you pull the floss in the opposite direction to wrap around the adjacent tooth, performing the same motion.
The best way to learn this technique is through a demonstration from your dentist or dental hygienist. You can also search for “C-shaped flossing” on youtube to find an instructional video.
Use the Right Mouthwash for You
There are many wonderful mouthwash formulations available over the counter, and they provide a variety of benefits for oral health. Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to mouthwash.
To know which mouthwash is best for you, you need to have a conversation with your dentist to learn about your specific oral health risk factors. For example, someone with a moderate or high risk for developing new cavities should use a mouthwash containing fluoride after brushing and flossing. People who suffer from dry mouth should avoid ingredients like alcohol and the essential oils thymol, menthol, and eucalyptus. These harsh chemicals are drying and can cause tenderness inside a dry mouth.
More Questions about Dental Hygiene Routine? Call Rockland Dental Today!
The best dental hygiene routine is one customized to your specific needs based on an understanding of your oral disease risk. Work with your dentist to determine the best oral care products and techniques for your unique situation. Call Rockland Dental Specialists today at (845)-259-2500 or contact us to schedule a consultation or evaluation of your oral health state. We can answer any question you have and assess your risk factors so that you receive customized recommendations.