If you’re like most, you already know to brush your teeth every day. Parents and others will have taught you how the habit keeps your smile strong. That said, your grin needs more than just daily brushing; several other practices are also key to good oral care. Your Crown Point dentist will even tell you about them in detail. So, read on to discover four oral hygiene practices you should never skip going forward.
Brushing Your Tongue
Your teeth and gums aren’t the only parts of your mouth that need cleaning. As best you can, you should also brush your tongue twice daily.
The fact is that your tongue holds a great deal of bacteria. Without proper cleaning, these tongue microbes can reach your teeth and cause cavities or infections. You should thus brush your tongue to remove harmful bacteria that toothbrushing may miss. (If any are available, you could also get a tongue scraper from your local supermarket or pharmacy.)
Replacing Your Toothbrush
While a toothbrush seems to work forever, this tool will eventually break down. It follows that you should regularly replace your brush as part of your oral hygiene routine.
To be more specific, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. A toothbrush’s bristles will wear out and lose effectiveness beyond four months. As such, continuing to use a brush past that point will put you at risk of oral health problems. Doing so will also cause bacteria to build on your appliance, further threatening your smile.
Flossing Once Daily
A toothbrush isn’t the only oral device you should rely on. At least once a day, you should clean between your teeth with dental floss.
Keep in mind that a toothbrush can’t clean your whole mouth. No matter how often you use it, it’ll overlook the tight spaces between your teeth. On the other hand, using floss each day will dislodge the tiny particles that can build up in those obscure areas. (Of course, traditional floss isn’t your only option; you can also rely on a water flosser tool and similar items.)
Seeing Your Dentist Often
As diligent as you are at home, you can’t protect your smile all on your own. You’ll need to see your dentist often to ensure the best oral hygiene possible.
Remember, dentists are the premier experts in preventive oral care. They have the knowledge and resources to assess your smile precisely and treat any small issues you might’ve missed. At the same time, their thorough teeth cleaning methods will remove bacteria you can’t eliminate yourself.
These are only a few oral hygiene practices you shouldn’t skip. To learn about other ones, please consult your dental provider!
About the Practice
Ornelas Family Dentistry is based in Crown Point, IL. Led by Dr. Joseph Ornelas, our practice employs a one-on-one approach to each patient’s dental care. We always tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to your smile’s needs, ensuring you get the best results. That means you can trust us to make your grin healthier and prettier than ever! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (219)-663-2892.