When it comes to oral health, the basics are most important.
Those basics include brushing twice a day. Oral hygiene health basics also include daily flossing and brushing your tongue.
Your dentist in Delray Beach also recommends using an antibacterial mouth rinse or mouth wash every time you brush to keep control of bacteria.
Oral Hygiene Basics Most People Forget
While most people think they know how to brush, it’s important to see Dr. George Sanchez for a brush up so to speak, especially if you have young children.
If your brushing and flossing skills aren’t up to par, you’ll be teaching your offspring the same bad oral hygiene habits that you have been practicing for years.
Toothbrush Basics
- Use a soft bristled brush
- Use a tiny amount of toothpaste about the size of a pea
- Brush in a circular and gentle motion
- Brush at a 45 degree angle working towards your gum line
- Repeat the same action on the insides of your teeth
- Brush lightly back and forth on your molars and chewing surfaces
- Brush your tongue
- Swap your brush when the bristles are worn or within 3 months
Flossing Basics for Healthy Teeth and Gums
Dr. George cannot stress the importance of daily flossing when it comes to teeth and gums. Flossing properly removes food particles that convert to plaque and acid. Flossing also reaches those places that your toothbrush can’t.
Best Flossing Basics
- Use 20” of floss winding it around your middle fingers. This will give you a couple of inches to work with
- Hold floss taut between your index fingers and thumbs
- Slide floss up and down in a gentle motion in between teeth
- Curve floss around each tooth at the base going under the gum line
- Never force or snap floss as it could damage gums
- Use a clean piece of floss for each tooth
Other Healthy Tips for Oral Health
Your Delray Beach dentist recommends using an antibacterial mouthwash as well. Antibacterial mouth rinses have proven to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Other basic oral hygiene habits to practice include regular dental checkups with Dr. George. Your dentist in Delray beach also recommends bi annual or annual comprehensive dental examinations including cancer screenings.
One of the most important, but often neglected part of oral hygiene is diet. If you aren’t getting enough nutrients or calcium in your diet your teeth and gums will pay the price. Dr. George recommends lots of fresh veggies and dairy products as well as heart health proteins and healthy fats.
Schedule Your Dental Appointment in Delray Beach
Getting a fresh start to the New Year starts with a healthy mouth. Call and schedule a dental appointment with Dr. George in Delray Beach today.