It’s easy to overlook how important our teeth are; more than a smile itself, they serve a crucial function by chewing food and preparing it for digestion. Practicing good dental health is one of the best ways to keep teeth at their optimum shape. In conjunction with Richmond periodontics, these habits could give you a lifetime of great teeth. Ask yourself these simple questions and discover if the answers are really what you thought they would be.
How Long Do You Brush Your Teeth?
There are several types of brushers out there and most can be attributed to how long they brush each day. Some rush through it to save time and leave behind a lot of plaque that might otherwise have been removed. On the opposite end of the scale, some overdo it with repeated brushings that take far too long and are not productive to oral care. The rule of thumb for brushing is roughly two minutes, but the number changes if other aspects such as veneers or dental implants come into play. For those situations, a minute more should be added since you want to take your time with these areas. A great way to keep up is by using your digital assistant to set the timer or find a smartphone timer that is easy to start and stop,
Do You Floss On A Regular Basis?
A lot of people skip flossing and their reasons vary from no time to no use in doing it. Whatever the reason, flossing should not be ignored when it comes to a dental care regimen. Don’t hurry this step, instead take time to get into the areas otherwise unreached by traditional brushing methods. The proper flossing method should take into account not only the act itself but minimizing possible damage to teeth. A tip that many dentists recommend is taking the floss itself and pulling it out between teeth instead of pulling downward to remove it from its location. You should also have enough floss to move with ease between each tooth; that ensures you will not get stuck or hit a snag that might otherwise damage dental appliances.
Are You Using Mouthwash To Take The Place Of Brushing?
Mouthwash may have its place when used with brushing or flossing, but it should never take the place of those two key actions. Look for mouthwashes that work to remove plaque and debris, not just cover up bad breath. For those who want to go away from alcohol-based options, there are products in this category that do well without the harshness that comes from those Ingredients.
Are You Having Professional Teeth Cleanings At Least Twice A Year?
A professional tooth cleaning is one of the key components to having the best smile. The cleaning starts with x-rays and scans that can reveal any dental issues hidden from view. A hygienist will also go through with a cleaning that includes flossing as well as polish. The polishing portion goes from tooth to tooth and features flavors that anyone will like. Some dentists even give patients a choice on which flavor they want. More importantly, it gives you a dentist’s professional experience and knowledge as they inspect your teeth for possible problems. If you have any issues leading up to the exam, be sure to let the dentist know. You also get some great essentials for dental care at the end of the visit such as toothbrushes and toothpaste samples.
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