Regular dental cleanings are a great way to maintain the health of your teeth. By taking care of your teeth in between appointments, you ensure better overall dental health and make your dental appointments a breeze.

This month, is oral health month. In light of that, below are some things to remember to do in between dental appointments.

Don’t Just Brush, Brush Efficiently

It doesn’t matter how often you brush your teeth if you’re not doing it properly. Next time you brush, stop and observe your technique. Proper technique includes holding the brush at a 45-degree angle, using short, circular motions with the head of the brush pointed towards your gum line and brushing each tooth between 10 and 15 times.

If this is not the way you brush your teeth, it’s time to adjust your technique. The previously mentioned techniques have been proven to be effective when it comes to getting teeth clean. It is never a bad idea to talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about proper brushing technique next time you’re at the office.

Don’t Just Brush, Floss!

Flossing is often overlooked but is a super important part of dental hygiene. It helps you get into crevices you can’t reach with a toothbrush, leading to healthier teeth and gums. Make sure you learn the proper technique to flossing as improper flossing can lead to damaged gums if caution is not taken.

To floss between your teeth without causing damage, follow these steps: wrap about two inches of floss between your fingers and unroll a fresh section for each tooth. Keep the floss tight against the tooth to scrape up plaque without damaging your gums. Don’t forget to floss behind the last molar in your mouth to ensure a thorough clean.

Cut Down On Sugar

Decreasing your sugar intake will help keep your teeth clean and healthy in between regular teeth cleaning appointments.

Sugar aides bacterial growth and acidity in your mouth, this causes plaque to form. Plaque damages your tooth enamel and gums, potentially leading to tooth decay.  You don’t have to cut sugar out completely, but limiting the amount you ingest, as well as brushing and flossing after eating sugary foods will benefit your overall oral health.