As a parent, we know you have so much on your plate already. We certainly don’t want to add to it, but we do want to help improve the quality of life for you and your family! Oral hygiene is more than just brushing and flossing; the goal of family dentistry is to make oral hygiene enjoyable and simple so that people of all ages are more willing to take care of their smiles.
Why is this so important to us? Because we know that an unhealthy mouth can cause more health and problems throughout the body. Plus, people who are happy with their smiles are typically much more confident and happier in general.
Check out these eight oral hygiene tips so mouth-health becomes a simple priority for your family.
1. Brush and floss properly
How, how long, and how often you brush and floss matters. There are specific techniques that enable us to clean our mouths more effectively so we can avoid issues like cavities and gum disease.
The proper brushing technique involves:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- In a circular motion, scrub the front, back, and chewing surface of each tooth
- Brush your tongue and roof
- Rinse and spit
The entire brushing process should take at least two minutes and should be done two times per day.
Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably in the evening. Simply take a string of floss or floss pick, run it down one side of a tooth and up the other. Be sure to reach all the way down to the gum line. When the floss gets dirty or frayed, switch it out!
Brushing Tips
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
- Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Flossing Tips
- Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
- Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
- When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
- Bring the floss back toward the contact point between the teeth and move the floss up or down the other side, conforming the floss to the shape of the tooth.
- Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions.
- Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.
2. Make it fun!
For kids (and many adults) oral hygiene is boring. One of the best ways to make this time enjoyable is to do these things together. Huddle up in the bathroom, put on some good music, and get to brushing! Our expert in family dentistry also recommends these tips:
- Let your little one pick out his toothbrush, paste, and floss
- Play a two-minute video for him to watch while brushing
- Offer a reward for consistently brushing each week
3. Get the proper nutrients
What we put in our mouths is almost as important as brushing and flossing. Sugary foods and carbohydrates often create environments where disease-causing bacteria thrive, however, other foods can significantly improve oral health.
Eat more of these nutrients to improve your oral (and overall!) health:
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Vitamin K, C, and A
To learn more about how these affect your oral health and what foods contain these vitamins, check out this blog.
4. Quit bad habits
It’s no secret that smoking and chewing tobacco are incredibly bad for teeth and gums. Along with unattractive dental stains, using tobacco products increases a person’s risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
Other bad habits that affect oral health include nail-biting, using teeth as tools, and chewing ice. We encourage patients of all ages to avoid these habits at all costs.
5. Visit the dentist regularly
Regular dental cleaning and exam visits are necessary for children and adults. Most dentists recommend attending these appointments every six months, and in some cases, even more often.
During these appointments, dentists check for signs of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, then thoroughly rid the mouth of any tartar or lingering plaque. Regular dental visits are essential to the prevention of more serious oral health problems.
6. Drink More Water
Though not as effective as a mouthwash, a glass of water can go a long way in the fight against bad breath. Having a glass first thing in the morning, and after meals is helpful in counteracting plaque buildup and acidic residues. It essentially waters down the bad stuff.
Water is not only good for oral hygiene but also skin health, hair growth, maintaining blood pressure, and cushioning sensitive tissues. In other words, drinking water helps the body function more efficiently. proper hydration improves energy levels and cognitive processing, relieves constipation, treats kidney stones, and prevents hangovers. Water is truly one of nature’s miracles.
7. Try a Fluoride Mouthwash
Rinsing with a mouthwash can get to places that your toothbrush and even the deep cleaning of floss can miss. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride, because fluoride is proven to strengthen enamel and fight cavities. In addition, some mouthwash strengthens enamel, prevents cavities, and kills bad breath bacteria. A dental rinse is often recommended for additional oral hygiene if you wear braces.
8. Switch to a Soft-bristled Brush
You likely already know you should change your toothbrush every two to three months (or sooner if the bristles are frayed), but if you’re using a hard brush, consider replacing it now. Medium- and firm-bristled toothbrushes may leave your teeth feeling cleaner, but they can be very abrasive—and damaging over time.
“Most people would be perfectly fine with a soft-bristled brush,” Dr. Covington says. And there’s no need to brush too vigorously, either. It’s not good for your teeth or gums. Instead he advises using a gentle amount of pressure; tilting the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line; and brushing in a short, circular motion.
Looking for a Family Dentist in Beaufort, SC?
Family dentistry can often be more convenient by enabling everyone to maintain a optimal oral health in the same dentist office. We offer appointments starting at 7:00am and also have after school hours to meet your scheduling needs.. We welcome you to our convenient office which is conveniently located on the corner of Sea Island Pkwy & Lady’s Island Dr.. To schedule an appointment contact us at (843) 986-0177 or request one online and we will get back with you directly.
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