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A healthy smile begins with your daily dental regimen, which is why it’s important to know the best techniques for maintaining oral health. From teeth cleaning to routine checkups, the friendly staff at Dr. Christopher F Heck DMD- Montgomery General Dentistry, the leading family dentist in Hamilton County, OH, are dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental care to patients throughout the area. The following are a few daily dental care tips that can help you maintain a radiant smile.

Use a Proper Brushing Technique

family dentistWhile brushing your teeth is the best defense against cavities, it’s only effective if you use the proper technique. Begin by brushing at a 45-degree angle along the gum line, using short back and forth strokes or small circles across the sides and tops of your teeth. After this, focus on the teeth toward the back of your mouth, as these are harder to reach and clean.  You should brush for a minimum of 2 minutes but do not over scrub as it can cause damage to the teeth and gums.  Dr. Heck always recommends an investment in a power toothbrush.  These brushes simply do a better job at plaque removal vs. a manual brush.  Many of them have a built-in timer, pressure sensors and connect to your phone via Bluetooth to give you brushing tips and guidance.  You will see better checkups for both teeth and gums using a power brush. 

Floss After Your Last Meal & Use a Mouthwash

Flossing your teeth after your last meal will promote good dental hygiene and help to reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. It will also make your mouth feel cleaner and prevent you from snacking right before bed.  While studies vary on the effects of flossing before or after you brush, flossing once a day is imperative to your dental health.  Flossing before you brush is recommended by Dr. Heck.  This allows you to mobilize the bacteria and plaque between the teeth first, then brushing it away for a deeper clean.  A mouthwash or rinse following flossing and brushing reduces any residual bacteria leaving your mouth the cleanest it can be. 

Use a Tongue Scraper

Even after brushing and flossing, it’s still possible for bacteria to remain on your tongue. Using a tongue scraper as part of your daily routine will help to remove the bad bacteria and keep your breath smelling fresh.  You can find tongue cleaners or scrapers at your local pharmacy or grocery store. 

Brushing and flossing is not enough; it’s also important to keep up with your regular dentist appointments twice a year. For the leading family dentist in Montgomery, OH, turn to the team at the office of Dr. Christopher F Heck DMD- Montgomery General Dentistry. Contact them today at (513) 794-1884 to schedule an appointment or visit their website for more information about the family dentist and their general and cosmetic dentistry procedures.

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