Improve Your Preventive Care Routine

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily are absolutely vital for maintaining optimal oral health, but you should ensure that you are performing these tasks correctly. By repeatedly practicing incorrect hygiene techniques, you may be causing harm to your mouth. Regular examination of your routine can help determine if there is any room for improvement; even if you assume your techniques are perfect. Following your dentist’s advice on preventive care regimens will ensure that you always maintain a happy and healthy smile.

2 Minutes, 2 Times a Day

You probably clean your teeth every day, but do you really know how much time you spend brushing? To ensure sufficient cleansing and removal of harmful bacteria and plaque, you must brush your teeth at least twice a day, for two full minutes each time. Some people find it beneficial to use a stopwatch or other type of timer while brushing. A timed electric toothbrush can also assist in tracking the time spent cleaning your teeth. Another simple trick is to separate your mouth into four sections, and brush each quadrant for at least 30 seconds, making sure to cleanse all surfaces of your teeth.

Get a New Toothbrush

Dental professionals recommend replacing your toothbrush every 3 months (or sooner if you have been sick) to maintain a soft, and safe brushing surface. An overused toothbrush may cause damage to your gums and tooth enamel, as well as not clean your teeth properly. Toothbrushes left out in the open can become infested with tons of bacteria from the bathroom, so you should store your new brush inside a cabinet or other closed area.

Floss Thoroughly

Flossing may be the most important part of your preventive care routine, even though it only needs to occur once a day. Bacteria and plaque tend to build up in the tiny spaces between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Without adequate removal, plaque will harden into tartar and begin wreaking havoc on your gums. When you floss, slide the string between two teeth and allow it to glide down the side of each tooth, and into the space between your gums and teeth. This motion removes food particles and plaque before it becomes a problem. Some people find it easier to floss using an interdental cleaner or waterpik device.

ABOUT YOUR MAPLE GROVE DENTIST:

To schedule an appointment at Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN, call our office today at (763) 416-0606. We proudly serve residents of Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Rogers, Elk River, Osseo, Otsego, Plymouth, Wayzata, and surrounding communities.