It’s no secret that achieving a gorgeous, healthy smile takes some work. From brushing and flossing to your diet to visiting our office regularly, it may feel hard to know exactly what you need to do to ensure the health of your teeth and mouth. Our team at Reen Chung, DDS, have put together the following list of tips to help give your smile the care it deserves.
1. Brush the Right Way
When it comes to brushing, if you’re not using the right technique and the right tools, you’re not getting the full benefit. Your brush should be at a 45-degree angle to your gums and you should use short, gentle back-and-forth strokes to clean each of your teeth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush, as anything else can damage your enamel and irritate your gums. You should change your toothbrush every four months or so, as brushes deteriorate with age. Finally, make sure you’re brushing your teeth for two minutes twice daily to get all the benefits.
2. Don’t Forget About Floss
If you only brush and don’t floss your teeth, you’re only cleaning 60 percent of your tooth’s surface. Flossing is an essential part of a good oral hygiene routine as it allows you to clean those hard-to-reach places where bacteria love to gather.
3. Watch Your Diet
Diet may be the most overlooked part of good oral hygiene. No matter how diligently you brush and floss, if you’re consuming high amounts of soda, candy, and other sweets, you’re at a high risk for developing cavities. Instead, monitor your sugar intake and try to substitute healthy snacks when possible.
When it comes to establishing any routine, the important thing is to stick to it. You’ll find that it gets easier over time to remember to brush and floss if you’re doing it at roughly the same time each day. To ask our team any questions or to schedule your next visit to our office, call us today!
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