What Is The Best Daily Teeth Routine?

daily teeth routine

The number one thing you can do to benefit your dental health is to follow the best daily teeth routine. Most people brush their teeth, but only brushing cannot guarantee that you will be free of any health problems like cavities. Today we are going to explore what the best daily teeth routine looks like and what you can do to protect your dental health.

Brushing

Brushing your teeth is the foundation of the best daily teeth routine. In order to brush your teeth with the proper technique be sure to follow these recommendations from the American Dental Association: 

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Select a toothbrush that fits your mouth and reaches every area of your mouth.
  • Get a new toothbrush at least every three or four months, or when the bristles become frayed. Frayed bristles will be ineffective in cleaning your mouth.
  • Select an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is in your saliva and it helps to repair the tooth enamel. Fluoride toothpaste can help this natural repair your teeth as well.

After you chose the right toothbrush and the right toothpaste, be sure to use the proper brushing technique. To do so just follow these steps:

  1. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
  2. Gently move the brush back and forth in short tooth-wide strokes
  3. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. 
  4. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, hold the brush at a verticle angel and make several strokes. 

How often do I brush my teeth?

Brush your teeth for two minutes at least two times a day. Twice a day because the residue left by the bacteria in your mouth builds up over time and it is important to consistently brush your teeth. 

The residue can build up and create excess plaque. Plaque is a sticky white film that contains bacteria and they produce an acid that eventually breaks down tooth enamel. The plaque that is not removed will eventually harden into tartar. Tartar build-up can inflame the gums and eventually lead to gum disease.

Flossing

The second step of the best daily teeth routine is to floss your teeth. Flossing should form the second of two core behaviors to ensure that you have the best oral health. Flossing removes bacteria where the bristles of your brush cannot reach. 

So few people floss their teeth despite how important it is. Only 4 in 10 Americans floss their teeth according to a national poll. Flossing correctly is important. Just follow these steps:

  1. Use 18 to 24 inches of floss. Wind most of it around your middle finger and then leave about 1 to 2 inches for your teeth.
  2. Then hold the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers.
  3. Place the floss between your teeth and gently glide it up and down your teeth, following the curve of the tooth to get between the tooth and the gums.
  4. Repeat these steps as you move from tooth to tooth, using a clean section of floss with each tooth. 

Mouthwash

Mouthwash forms an important third step in the best daily teeth routine. With mouthwash, you can rinse the teeth and gums – often with an antiseptic – to kill harmful bacteria that live between the teeth and the tongue. 

Mouthwash can help freshen the breath, but it does not replace flossing and brushing. Just follow these tips to be sure you are using your mouthwash correctly.

  • First, brush and floss your teeth. Wait a few minutes after brushing in order to let the fluoride do its work before using the mouthwash.
  • Use only as much mouthwash as you need. This is typically between 3 and 5 teaspoons.
  • Empty the cup into your mouth and swish it around, gargling for 30 seconds in your throat. 

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are a final finishing touch to the best daily teeth routine. They should be used after your teeth have been cleaned. Whitening strips provide an easy and safe way to whiten your teeth at home. 

Many kinds of whitening strips are easy to use, and each brand will come with its own instructions but be sure to note the following:

  • First, be sure that you have brushed and flossed your teeth before using the whitening strips.
  • Note how many daily applications you need, some require two applications some need one.
  • Note how long each strip should be applied. This can range between 5 and 45 minutes. 
  • Note how long the regimen should go on. Some are just a week, others last a month or more.

How Often Should I Have A Dental Cleaning?

The best daily teeth routine does not replace getting professional dental cleaning. Try to see a dentist at least once a year to get a routine examination and cleaning. If you have a history of periodontal disease you may need to get your teeth cleaned more often in order to prevent the recurrence of infections or disease. Those with chronic conditions will also need to see the dentist more often. 

If you are interested in dental cleaning, and you live in La Verne, California give La Verne Dental and Implant Center a call at 909-586-1155 to arrange your consultation today.

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