We all know the basics of maintaining our oral health; brush our teeth, floss, go to our dental cleaning appointments. However, those are the very basics when it comes to dental hygiene. There are add-ons to these basics which we all know, but here are some additional tips that may surprise you.
Start By Brushing Your Back Teeth
It is probably habit to start in the front of your mouth and really that is OK. The issue is sometimes when we start with the front teeth, by the time we get to the back teeth we don’t do as good of a job getting into all of those hard to reach spots. To maximize your dental health occasionally (or every time if you want) start in the back of your mouth to give it the attention it deserves.
Wait To Brush Your Teeth
It can be a habit to immediately go brush your teeth after consuming food and beverages and sometimes that is a good idea. However, if you have just consumed an acidic item, studies have shown that is better to wait to brush. The reason for this is that sometimes these types of foods can temporarily soften the enamel on your teeth so it’s OK to wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after consuming drinks like orange juice and soda.
Don’t Brush Too Much
We’ve all been told to brush after every meal which is OK but it is actually recommended to not brush more than twice a day. Brushing too often can damage your gums and enamel on your teeth. While we’re talking about brushing, (bonus tip) you don’t need anything harder than a soft bristle brush.
So, what should you do throughout the day instead of brushing? Use water! Swish and force the water between your teeth to help move food particles.
If you were not aware of these tips it’s OK. When all else fails stick to the basics, brush your teeth, floss and visit your dentist regularly.
The information on this Blog is provided for general information, is not intended to provide medical, dental or surgical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. No dentist/patient relationship is established by your use of this Site. No diagnosis or treatment is being provided. The information contained here should be used in consultation with a dentist of your choice. No guarantees or warranties are made regarding any of the information contained within this Blog.
