The best kind of oral hygiene is preventative oral hygiene. You don’t want to have to treat a problem after it is bad; you want to prevent it in the first place. What can you do to prevent problems with your oral hygiene? Here are 4 things you can do:
1. Brush twice a day.
You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. If you really want up your game, brush your teeth after every meal.
When brushing, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush with it at a 45-degree angle. That way, you can get into those cracks and crevices where plaque builds up. It also helps to use a circular motion when you’re brushing.
2. For good preventative oral hygiene, floss, floss, floss!
You don’t have to floss all of your teeth — just the ones you want to keep! Good oral hygiene means flossing every day. You can floss in the morning, in the afternoon, or in the evening, but just make sure you’re flossing.
Flossing lets you get the plaque that builds up between your teeth and at the gumline. This is a vital part of good oral healthcare.
3. Use a therapeutic mouthwash.
A therapeutic mouthwash will help keep bacteria in your mouth under control.A good tip is to use mouthwash in between brushing to protect your teeth.
Moreover, therapeutic mouthwashes have antibacterial agents and fluoride to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. That makes it a great preventative oral hygiene practice.
4. Get a dental checkup twice a year.
No matter how much you brush and floss, even if your technique is perfect, you’re going to need to see your dentist twice a year as part of a good, preventative oral hygiene routine. Your dentist can clean your teeth in ways you can’t at home.
Additionally, your dentist can take X-rays to see any problems that might just be starting. Catching any problem early is key to stopping it from becoming more serious.
Final thoughts on preventative oral hygiene.
Taking care of problems before they become problems is ideal. Preventative oral hygiene means brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, and getting regular checkups. If you would like to learn more, please call the office of Barry H. Buchanan today for a consultation.
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