5 dental hygiene tips you should be practicing every day

Ermelinda Maglione -

Proper dental hygiene is important for many reasons. It helps you have healthy teeth, gums, and mouth, prevents diseases in this part of your body, and also, who doesn’t love a beautiful smile?

You may think you are doing everything perfectly regarding your dental hygiene, but are you? It’s a great time to check! So, here we have prepared 5 top dental hygiene tips you can start implementing today for even better dental health.

1. Check your brushing technique

Brushing your teeth is much more than adding toothpaste to your brush, pointing it to your teeth, and scrubbing them for a few minutes. First, we recommend a soft-bristled brush starting at a 45° angle, beginning at your gumline.

A good technique consists of brushing first the outside of your teeth, then the insides, and your molars, as well. Finish by gently brushing your gums and tongue.

2. Take your time when brushing your teeth

If you are wondering how long a good brushing session should last, the answer is about two minutes. It can help if you sing a song in your head or use an hourglass to keep track of time.

It is important not to rush the brushing sessions so you can thoroughly get through your teeth, gums, and tongue.

3. Be sure to use the right brush for you

It doesn’t matter if your brush is manual or electric; what’s important is that it has a soft bristle and is small to medium in size. You can choose whatever color brush you like and handle type, but be sure to use one that is soft on your gums, and remember to change it at least every three months!

4. Select a toothpaste with an ADA seal

When selecting a toothpaste, choose one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance by the American Dental Association. Also, check that the box reads that fluoride is among the ingredients, which will help with plaque and prevent tooth decay.

5. Don’t forget to floss!

Combining a good brushing technique with flossing will improve your dental hygiene substantially. However, there is a proper way to do it:

  • Grab about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around your middle fingers.
  • Make sure the floss is tight, and slide it gently between your teeth.
  • Use clean sections of the floss as you go from tooth to tooth.
  • Finally, gently floss beneath the gumline.

If you want more tips or have questions about your dental health and hygiene, please contact one of the dentists or dental hygienists at Kounsel, who will be happy to help you!