Every day you take the time to brush your teeth and clean your smile. But are you doing everything that you can to maintain optimal oral health?
Read through these daily oral hygiene tips from Novato family dentists to get a better idea
Set a timer when it’s time to brush your smile
The American Dental Association recommends that both adult and pediatric patients brush their smiles for a full two minutes—once in the morning and once at night. The goal is to brush with gentle pressure so as not to cause enamel thinning or gum tissue damage. If you aren’t sure whether or not you’re brushing for two minutes, try setting a timer, or listening to an adequately long song to stay on track.
Use the right toothbrush
Your toothbrush needs to meet the needs of your smile specifically. This means that the head of the brush should be appropriately sized to reach your back molars. Additionally, the bristles of your brush should be the softest you can use without sacrificing cleaning power. For many people this means using a soft-bristled brush; if you aren’t sure what type of bristle is good for your teeth, talk to your dentist for additional guidance. Finally, your toothbrush shouldn’t be too old. Swap your existing brush for a new one every three to four months.
Incorporate a mouth rinse into your daily routine
There are mouth rinses on the market to address all kinds of issues—teeth whitening, bacteria-fighting, and breath freshening formulations are all available. When you are cleaning your smile, using a mouth rinse can help you dislodge and eliminate as much plaque as possible.
As you can see, there are many simple yet effective steps you can take to optimize your at-home oral hygiene routine. Remember that every smile is unique, so if it seems like one of these strategies isn’t working for you, it may be time to contact your dentist to get some personalized recommendations. You can always schedule an appointment with our Novato dentists by calling the office or using the Contact Us page on our site.