DENTAL HYGIENE TIPS

Friday, December 1, 2017 9:26 AM

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Most people think that simply brushing your teeth in the morning and at night will guarantee them clean teeth. But brushing alone won’t ensure the best dental health, so it’s important to keep a few other things in mind when thinking about your teeth.

Use Proper Brushing Technique
Quickly running a toothbrush over your teeth won’t fully clean away leftover food and bacteria. Instead, the American Dental Association, or ADA, recommends starting with your brush at a 45 degree angle, and using short back and forth strokes against the sides and tops of your teeth. Then, hold the brush vertically and use short up and down strokes to brush the backs of your teeth.

Pick the Right Brush
Not all brushes are created equal. You should try and find a brush whose head and bristles are small enough to get into the small cracks between your teeth where food can hide.

Look for the ADA Seal
Just like toothbrushes, not all toothpastes are created equal. You want to look for a brush that has the seal of approval from the ADA, as these meet strict manufacturing regulations that will promise an effective clean, with an added dosage of fluoride that’s suitable for adults and children past a certain age. Using an ADA approved toothpaste will ensure you get the best clean out there.

Floss Properly
Flossing your teeth properly will ensure that you get rid of all the germs stuck between your teeth. Ideally, you should use a piece of floss that is up to 18 inches in length, which allows you to use a fresh section of floss every few teeth without reinserting the bacteria you just worked so hard to remove. The floss should touch your teeth, and make a forwards or backwards “C” shape to ensure maximum clean.

Use a Mouthwash
A mouthwash can go where a toothbrush or floss can’t in order to get rid of debris and bacteria that can cause gum irritation and gingivitis. Adding a mouthwash to your teeth care regimen can give your mouth that extra clean feeling that brushing and flossing alone cannot.

Your smile is as important to us as it is to you, so if you’re looking for a new dentist in the Grayslake, IL, area, contact Walden Square Dental today to set up your first appointment. Give us a call at 847-223-0110, or visit our website to make an appointment online.