Revitalizing Springtime Smiles!
Spring cleaning doesn’t only apply to your home! April is National Oral Health Month, and there’s no better time to give your smile a spring cleaning. Here are a few tooth-cleaning tips and tricks to consider when planning out your cleaning routine:
ORDER OF OPERATIONS
Did you know the order in which you do each cleaning method matters? From, flossing, to rinsing, and brushing, each one plays a significant role in your oral hygiene, as they each clean areas others miss. Here is the best order to follow:
Flossing is the best way to remove left-behind food particles and plaque between your teeth. Ensuring this is done first will help the rest of the cleaning go much smoother.
Rinse with water to wash away any potential debris or particles that may remain loosely or in places you cannot reach with floss.
Brush your teeth last, as this allows the fluoride in your toothpaste to spread more easily throughout your mouth, protecting your teeth.
PROPER TOOLS AND
TECHNIQUES
A toothbrush is a toothbrush, right? Not exactly! The size and type of toothbrush you use should fit your mouth to allow easy access to clean all areas. You should be replacing your toothbrush every three to four months or once the bristles start becoming frayed.
When it comes to your brushing technique, style matters. You should follow these methods for the best cleaning:
Have your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
Brush gently back and forth tooth-wide in short strides.
The inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of your teeth should be brushed.
Tilt your toothbrush vertically with several up-and-down strides to clean the inside of your front teeth.
DON'T OVERDO IT!
There is such a thing as going too far with cleaning. It’s easy to think it would help to brush more vigorously and ensure a deeper clean. However, using an intense motion or aggressive brushing style can be very hard on your teeth and can lead to tooth wear and increased sensitivity.
An over-aggressive technique can also lead to gum recession and further gum issues. Just remember, a soft and gentle brushing will still get the job done, while maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.
ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH OR MANUAL?
Manual toothbrushes do an excellent job and will ensure your oral hygiene is kept to a high level if you clean properly. However, an electric toothbrush does offer a more reliable clean simply because the automated head works faster, removing more plaque more efficiently.
Most electric toothbrushes also come with specialized features, which allow you to use them properly for the right amount of time, and most of them are quite easy to use.
CLEAN YOUR TEETH WITH... FOOD?
It’s true! There are actually some foods out there that can clean your teeth. Firm and crisp foods such as apples, carrots, or celery can help reduce plaque buildup.
This doesn’t mean you should stop brushing your teeth if you start eating more foods like this, but if you aren’t going to be brushing your teeth right away, an apple or some celery as an after-meal snack can help in the meantime.
Maintain Regular Checkups
Even while upholding the best oral hygienic routines, you still want to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when thinking about your cleaning routine. The ThirtyTwo team is here to assist with any questions or concerns. Feel free to contact us today and schedule an appointment.
If you have any questions or concerns or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
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