10 Best Practices for Keeping Your Teeth Healthy and Clean

We all have been taught from little up that you must brush your teeth twice a day, but let’s review the other practices that will keep your teeth healthy and reward you with a beautiful smile.

1)      As mentioned the #1 routine is to brush twice a day.  Morning and evening brushing removes food debris, bacteria and sticky plaque that leads to tooth decay.  Night time brushing to especially important to prevent overnight decay.

2)      Brush for 2 Full Minutes! Divide your mouth into four areas and spend 30 seconds in each space.  An electric toothbrush with a built-in timer is a great device to assist you with this practice

3)      Pick the right toothbrush.  A soft-bristled tooth brush is best to avoid damaging your gums and enamel.  Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months for optimum cleansing.

4)      Use Fluoride Toothpaste.   Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and is an effective mineral in preventing cavities.  Look for the ADA Seal of Approval

5)      Proper Brushing Technique is also essential for cleansing your teeth without damaging your gums or enamel.  Gently brush in a circular motion, brushing all surfaces: outer, inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth.

6)      Brush your Tongue.  Bacteria will also build up on your tongue which may lead to stale, bad breath.  Brush your tongue with your toothbrush or clean the tongue with a tongue scraper.

7)      Avoid brushing immediately after eating or drinking acidic foods.  Wait 30 minutes after consuming acidic items such as soda, citrus foods or coffee.  Acidic foods soften the enamel and brushing may cause damage.

8)      Floss daily and rinse with a mouthwash. Floss your teeth before brushing to remove food particles in hard to reach crevices. Flossing helps clean your gums and allows the toothbrush to toothpaste to get into the tight spaces and clean more effectively.

9)      Gargle with mouthwash 30-60 second, 30 minutes after brushing your teeth to all the fluoride time to set in.  Gargling helps kill bacteria that leads to gingivitis.

10)   Visit your Dentist regularly.  Daily oral care habits are vital to healthy teeth and gums, but professional cleanings and check-ups is a preventative measure to address issues before becomes a more major problem.

Plainsboro Dental Care is a full-service dental practice offering a relaxed atmosphere and gentle approach to every dental treatment.  Schedule your check-up today! Call 609-799-4422.