Adopting an effective and thorough at-home oral hygiene routine will go a long way toward helping you achieve your preventive and cosmetic dentistry goals. That is why our Novato family dentists are sharing some simple steps that you can take every day to safeguard your smile.
Use the right type of toothbrush for your smile
The first step to achieving your dream smile is to make sure that you are using the right tools for the job. When you are looking for a toothbrush, consider:
- Size: the toothbrush head needs to be appropriately sized, so that it can reach, and effectively clean, your back molars and gum tissue.
- Strength: toothbrushes are made with bristle strengths ranging from soft to extra-firm. The general rule of thumb is to use a brush that is as soft as possible, without sacrificing cleaning quality. Ask your dentist for additional guidance if you aren’t sure what type of brush works for you.
Don’t rush the process
An important part of effectively cleaning your smile is being patient. When you brush your teeth, morning and night you want to apply gentle pressure and buff in circular motions for at least two minutes. Many patients are surprised to find that they’re really only brushing for 45 seconds, or a minute. Try setting a timer to get used to it.
Don’t forget about gum health
We use the term “brushing your teeth,” but it’s just as important for you to clean your oral tissues every morning and every night. Take care to gently clean your gum tissues, so as not to cause gum tissue recession. And make sure that you use either a toothbrush or a scarper to clean plaque from your tongue; this is especially important if you’re battling bad breath.
Keeping your smile clean and healthy requires a comprehensive, thoughtfully designed oral hygiene plan. Our Novato dentists are here to help you get the information you need to make informed choices for your smile. Give us a call to get started with your personal consultation!