Properly caring for your smile at home can make a huge difference in how your smile looks and functions over time. One of the most important things that our Santa Monica dentists do is to help our patients optimize their respective oral hygiene routines. Keep reading to learn more about some of the ways that you can improve your daily dental routine.
Let’s begin by talking about how you can brush effectively. As you probably already know, the American Dental Association recommends that patients brush their teeth twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. Also, keep in mind…
· That you should be replacing your toothbrush every two to three months—toothbrush bristles can harbor problematic bacteria
· That it is best to brush your teeth gently for a prolonged period of time (rather than applying more pressure for a shorter period of time). Try to make sure that you’re brushing for at least two minutes whenever you brush. You can even set a timer or listen to a two-minute song to help you keep track!
· The type of toothbrush bristle that you use matters! For many people, a soft-bristled toothbrush is best, as this cleans your smile without being too abrasive. If you’re not sure what type of bristle is right for you, consult your dental team.
The other cornerstone of a traditional at-home oral hygiene routine is floss. Flossing once a day can help you minimize the amount of plaque and tartar that accumulates on your smile, especially in those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth.
· The best time to floss your smile is right before you brush at night. This allows you to disrupt entrenched plaque, food particles, and dental debris, and then promptly brush it away.
· You may find that your gums bleed once you start flossing again—this is normal and should dissipate over time. If you find that your gums are bleeding more often or more severely as you continue flossing, talk to your dental team!
If you want to learn more about caring for your smile at home, our Santa Monica dentists are here to help! Give us a call to get the info you need, and to schedule a personal consultation!