Visiting the dentist at least twice a year is essential to maintaining your oral health. However, it doesn’t stop there. In between visits, there are plenty of things you can do at home to maintain a healthy smile. Good oral hygiene starts with your dedication to a proper routine.

Below we have outlined some tips to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Brush Twice A Day

A common tip, but a very important one nonetheless. Brushing helps remove plaque, which if left on your teeth can harden into tartar and can lead to further issues. A good brushing routine not only removes plaque, but also helps maintain a white smile.

Brush Using Proper Technique

While many brush twice a day, few brush with proper technique. Using your toothbrush, angle the bristles 45 degrees toward the gumline. Use small circular brushing motions and spend a few seconds on each individual tooth, brushing for a total two minutes.

Floss Daily

Flossing removes the plaque you can’t reach even when brushing with proper technique. Plaque and tartar build up under the surface of the gum line where the bristles of your toothbrush often can’t effectively reach. Therefore, flossing daily is a necessity to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.

When flossing, ensure you are doing so with the right technique. Take a generous amount of floss and wrap it tightly around your index fingers. Insert the floss in the space between your teeth and gently slide it back and forth under your gum line a few times. Repeat this process between each tooth until complete.

Limit Coffee, Tea, and Red Wine Intake

Coffee, tea, and red wine are main culprits when it comes to staining teeth. These drinks cause surface stains but also increase the risk of internally staining tooth enamel.

When you do have these drinks, rinse your mouth frequently with water to prevent residue from building up and sitting on your teeth.

Use A High-Quality Toothbrush

Higher end electric toothbrushes have proven they remove more plaque and achieve healthier gums than your standard manual toothbrushes. The bodies of these toothbrushes last for years and the heads can be changed out as needed.

If you prefer not to use an electric toothbrush, purchase a soft bristled manual brush. Stiffer bristles can irritate gums and wear on enamel.

Don’t Forget To Brush Your Tongue

Your tongue holds bacteria and can be a prominent cause of bad breath. Brushing your tongue every time you brush your teeth removes the bacteria that accumulates on the surface. Some toothbrushes have a dual head with one side dedicated to brushing teeth, and a tongue scraper on the other. Use either a tongue scraper or your regular toothbrush on your tongue with a small amount of toothpaste to eliminate bacteria and bad breath.

Book Your Next Dental Appointment In Burlington

While following a good oral health routine is important, you still need to attend regular check-ups to maintain your oral health. These check-ups are important to identify any oral health issues early, and to keep teeth strong and healthy. To book your next dental appointment in Burlington, contact us today.