Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene at Home

Should you floss?

After almost every dental visit we’re told we need to floss more, and yet it’s the part of our routine we neglect the most. Interestingly, flossing is equally as important as brushing because it’s one of the best ways to remove plaque or left over food from in-between your teeth, and further prevent gum disease. In case you’re unsure of how to use floss, we’ve put together some tips.

• Floss once a day (ideally in the evening before bed)
• Use a section of roughly 18 inches long
• Gently move the floss up and down against the sides of the teeth and just to the gum line
• Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth to prevent contaminating the rest of your mouth with old plaque 
• Repeat the process until each tooth has been flossed
• Remember the teeth at the back of your mouth!

Of course brushing and flossing are a big part of keeping good oral hygiene at home, but there are additional methods which are overlooked as part of a sturdy routine. You’ll be surprised at how simple some of these tips are!

Up your water intake 

Water flushes away harmful bacteria and the food particles which contribute to tooth decay, tooth loss and gum disease. What’s more, we produce less saliva when we’re dehydrated, allowing for mouth sores, gum disease and bacterial buildup, which can further lead to tooth decay.

Switch up your brushing technique

Take a moment to consider your current brushing technique. Do you move side to side in big, sweeping motions with little variation? How long are you brushing for? We recommend the following:

• Brush in small, slow circles for around 2 minutes
• Brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces of your teeth
• Wait a minute or so before rinsing your mouth 

Clean your toothbrush 

Like everything, without proper care your toothbrush can become a breeding ground for all kinds of bacterias, which could even contribute to poor oral health! We always say you should rinse your toothbrush with clean water and never seep it covered in a plastic, air-tight container, since these can prevent open air from flowing through the bristles for thorough drying. Do note that you should replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months (or sooner if the bristles start to frey!).

Use mouthwash

A great one for getting into those crevices that you may not be able to reach with a brush or floss! Mouthwash can flush out those leftover food particles and neutralize any harmful bacterias in your mouth.
Do you think you need help with maintaining a good oral health routine? Here at Lancaster Family Smiles we’re always happy to support our patients both online or in person. Simply reach out with any of your questions below!