Are you brushing your teeth twice a day and somehow still getting a cavity? As frustrating as it may be, there are more steps you must take to steer clear of getting cavities. To help avoid this aching pain, our experts at Tree City Dental want to share some dental hygiene tips to aid your morning routine!
Proper Flossing
It is easy to toss a strand of nylon between your teeth and brag to your dentist about flossing everyday, but that is not how you actually floss. A standard toothbrush can brush and scrape up to 60% of your teeth, which leaves the rest of the cleaning up to your handy floss! Gently guide your floss between each of your teeth and make a ‘C’ shape around your tooth to remove any excess plaque you may have missed while brushing. Make sure you do not floss too hard or you may be in the company of some gum damage, so make sure you are gentle, yet effective!
Electric Toothbrush
Researched and reported by many credible sources, electric toothbrushes are the future of efficient oral hygiene. Manual toothbrushes do not contain the power and versatility that electric ones have. In fact, studies show that those who use electric toothbrushes have less tooth decay, much healthier gums, and are able to keep their teeth longer than those using the ‘old’ toothbrush. It is important to brush your teeth after you floss because debris from the floss will be loosened and made easier to clean!
Brushing your Tongue
After you have properly flossed and brushed your teeth you will want to end your brushing with your tongue. With a fluid motion back and forth, cleaning your tongue is vital to removing any bacteria stuck on there! Unscraped tongues result in bad breath and plaque that is hard to scrape, so make sure you are consistently brushing! Another effective way to clean your tongue is by using a tongue scraper, a ‘U’ shaped tool that you can slide down your tongue to wipe away any bacteria!
As important as these three tips are, there are many more you should know. From mouthwash to healthier toothpastes, there are endless ways to show off your bright smile to the world without being worried about the appearance! If you have any more questions on dental hygiene, don’t be afraid to ask. Call Tree City Dental today for more information!