One of the best things that you can do for your long-term oral health is to prioritize, and refine, your daily oral hygiene routine. When you care for your smile properly day to day, you minimize your risk of suffering from periodontal disease as well as dental cavities.
Our Saint Louis dentists are here with some simple tips to help take your dental routine from adequate to outstanding. Keep reading to learn more about dental maintenance!
You are probably already brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing at least once a day—this is a great start! Beyond that…
· You can start rinsing your mouth with water after you eat, and after you drink anything other than water. This helps to stimulate saliva production (which works to neutralize bacteria), and clears dental debris from your smile.
· It is also important that you use the proper tools to care for your smile. Talk to your dentist about what type of toothbrush bristle is right for you; most people do well with a soft-bristled brush, as medium and firm bristles can be unnecessarily abrasive and cause inadvertent dental damage. Additionally, you want to ensure that you replace your toothbrush every 3 months or so, and after an illness.
· Some dental patients also benefit from adding a mouth wash into their dental routines. Specially-formulated oral rinses can freshen breath, fortify dental enamel, neutralize harmful bacteria, and combat dry mouth.
The best way to fine-tune your oral hygiene routine is to meet with your dental team, so that your dentist can assess your smile and make personalized recommendations. As always, you can reach our Saint Louis dentists by calling our office or submitting your question through our Contact Us page. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you optimize your at-home dental care!