How To Maintain Optimal Dental Health Through Proven Results

In today’s constantly moving world, it’s easy to underestimate simple
habits like brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis. Heck,
we’re all guilty of not wanting to brush our teeth after a late night
out of fun, right?
Surely no one is perfect, but when dental
health is pushed aside for too long, you can start to develop oral
health problems quickly. The subtle signs of sticky plaque can quickly
develop into gum disease – like gingivitis – if left unchecked.
Whether
you’re getting back into the habit of brushing your teeth without fail
or you’re just starting to, here are some great tips on how to make the
transition a part of your daily health routine.
Choosing The Right Toothbrush
If you’ve ever shopped for a new toothbrush at your local grocer,
When on the
hunt for a new toothbrush, consider a soft bristle toothbrush to start
out with. These are a great way to start brushing your teeth on the
regular because the bristles are much more flexible than there
medium/firm counterparts; those with sensitive gums will appreciate the
softer versions for brushing.
You might consider a toothbrush
with an American Dental Association seal of approval as well. These
versions of toothbrushes are certified by the ADA.
How To Use Your New Tools Properly
Now that you’re armed with some bonafide oral health tools, here are some tips on how to use them correctly:
• Wait It Out
– After eating food or drinking something acidic like coffee, tea or
juice, it’s recommended that you wait at least 30 minutes before
brushing your teeth. This is because the enamel on your teeth has been
softened temporarily from the acids in the food and/or drink.
• Up and Down
– Ideally, you’ll want to brush up and down in a circular motion and at
a 45-degree angle from the gum-line up. We tend to think brushing
harder and side-to-side is the ticket, but it can actually cause more
problems than solutions. When you brush too hard, your toothbrush can
quickly become an abrasive, working against your teeth rather than for
them.
• The Two-Minute Rule – Don’t
rush the process. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes at a minimum
to ensure you’re cleaning all surfaces of your teeth, gums, and tongue.
• Floss With Care
– Flossing your teeth is key to preventing cavities. Preference as to
flossing before or after brushing is totally up to you, as flossing the
right way is more important than timing. It’s recommended that you floss
between each tooth creating a ‘C’ shape in an up and down motion to
remove any plaque or food that normal brushing can’t reach.
Contact Us With Your Questions
For more information on how to properly brush and floss your teeth, please reach out to one of our dental healthcare professionals at Swan Dental, located in Tucson, Arizona, for your convenience.
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