A thorough at-home oral hygiene routine is a vital component of any dental treatment plan. As you go through your normal daily routine, your smile is subjected to a number of oral health threats, and bacterial plaque is constantly accumulating.
When you take the time to optimize your oral hygiene routine, you safeguard your smile for the future. Our Santa Monica dentists are here with some helpful tips on how to make the most out of your at-home dentistry efforts.
First of all, it’s important for you to follow all of your dentist’s recommendations when it comes to brushing, flossing, and using mouth rinse. Your dental team will be able to help you personalize your dental routine to fit your specific needs.
With that said, when it comes to brushing, you want to make sure you’re using the right tools. Choose a toothbrush that fits comfortably into the hard-to-reach spaces in the back of your smile. And choose a bristle strength that is effective without being abrasive, for many people this will be a soft-bristled toothbrush. Finally, remember to switch out your toothbrush every few months, and especially after illness.
Another key component of your at-home oral hygiene routine is flossing. The best time to floss your smile is at night, right before you brush your teeth. By flossing first, you’ll be able to dislodge dental debris and plaque before you brush it away. It’s also important to choose a type of floss that fits completely between your teeth; if you choose a type of floss that is too thick it will not be effective.
As always, our Santa Monica dentists are here to give you any additional information and guidance that you may need. The best way to get started is to schedule a personal consultation with our dental team so that we can tailor our recommendations to your unique needs.