Are you doing everything you can to care for your smile at home? Our Saint Louis dentists are here to help you make sure that you’ve optimized your oral hygiene routine. With that in mind, keep reading to learn more about things that you can do to give your smile a boost.
Refresh Your Mouth
Oral bacteria and sticky plaque are building up on your smile 24/7. You can be just as consistent about combating bacteria by rinsing your smile throughout the day. Simply rinsing with plain water can make a big difference, and your dental team can let you know whether you should use a specially formulated rinse as well. Every time you rinse your smile you jump-start saliva production!
Be Picky About Your Toothbrush
The basis of any successful oral hygiene routine is brushing your teeth and gums for two minutes in the morning and before bed at night. Don’t settle for any old brush when you’re cleaning your smile. Certain bristle strengths will be too harsh and abrasive for some smiles. If you don’t know what type of bristle is right for you, talk to your dental team.
Clean Safely
There are particular times at which your dental enamel is de-mineralized, softer, and more vulnerable than usual. When dental enamel comes into contact with acidic substances, for example, it is temporarily de-mineralized. This is why our dental team recommends that you wait at least 20 to 30 minutes to brush your teeth after eating or drinking.
Optimize Flossing
Take the time to choose a type of floss, that works for your specific smile. The floss you use needs to be an appropriate thickness, so that it can fit between all of your teeth. Other considerations—like flavor and texture—are largely about personal preference.
It’s just that easy! Try incorporating these steps into your daily routine to see and feel results.