You’ve probably been told since you were a child that an important part of your dental care routine is brushing your teeth. While that is true, simply that alone is not enough to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. How you brush and what you do after is also important. Carter S. Yokoyama, D.D.S. in Kailua-Kona, HI, shares the five best dental care practices to maintain your pearly whites.

5 Best Dental Care Practices

1. Proper Brushing

Proper brushing is the most important step in any dental care routine. It’s recommended to brush for two minutes, twice a day, using small, gentle, circular motions. Use a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay and a soft bristle brush. Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue. Brushing your tongue prevents the buildup of bacteria and helps freshen your breath. Always replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

2. Flossing

Possibly the most dreaded part of any dental care routine, flossing removes food and plaque from between your teeth in a way that brushing and mouthwash cannot. Plaque that builds up between your teeth can harden into tartar, which causes tooth decay and a lot of expensive visits to the dentist. The good news is that you only need to floss once a day.

3. Rinsing

You can rinse with mouthwash before or after brushing and flossing. Hot just any mouthwash will do, however; select an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath.

4. Eating Right

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and the same is true for the dentist. What you eat can help with your overall oral health. Avoid snacking on sugary or starchy foods that can stick to the teeth, like potato chips, crackers, dried fruit, and candy.

5. Regular Dentist Appointments

Every six months, your dentist will properly clean your teeth and check for any signs of gum disease and oral cancer. Any general dentistry specialist will do, but, if you have a fear of the dentist, consider a dental spa. Carter S. Yokoyama, D.D.S. make sure your routine dental checkup is personalized, relaxing, and stress-free.

To maintain a perfect smile, it’s important to continue with proper dental care techniques. Make an appointment at Carter S. Yokoyama, D.D.S. by calling (808) 322-0101, or visit their website for more information for more information on their cosmetic dentistry options.