You probably know that you should brush and floss at least twice a day to protect your teeth. But that’s not that only way that you can optimize your oral hygiene. As a Coweta, OK, dentist focused on helping patients enhance and protect their smiles, Allen S. Braumiller Jr. DDS, PC offers a few ways to take your dental care routine to the next level.  

4 Oral Hygiene Tips You May Not Know

1. Brush Your Tongue

The tongue is an excellent hiding place for the bacteria that leads to cavity-causing plaque, so make sure to clean it after brushing your teeth. To get the best clean, invest in a tongue scraper or a specialized toothbrush with tongue cleaners on the back of the bristles.

2. Stash Your Floss

Flossing before you brush is a must, but if you want to do even more for your smile, you should also do it every time you eat. Since dental floss usually stays in the bathroom, consider keeping spare supplies in your desk, your bag, or your car. That way, you’ll always have some floss nearby.    

3. Snack on Cheese

Many foods can help support healthy teeth, but cheese packs a lot of benefits in a tiny package. Cheese is what’s known as a “detergent food”—a snack that can help scrub your teeth clean as you eat it. And, as a dairy food, cheese is rich in calcium, which strengthens bones and teeth.

4. Wait to Rinse  

When you brush your teeth, the natural inclination is to rinse away all the toothpaste when you’re done. However, this action can remove the toothpaste’s fluoride before it can do its job. Instead, spit out the remaining toothpaste and let your teeth sit without rinsing, drinking, or using mouthwash for 15 to 30 minutes.  

If it’s time for you to schedule your next check-up, Allen S. Braumiller Jr. DDS, PC offers exceptional care to Coweta and the surrounding communities. In addition to routine cleanings, Dr. Braumiller Jr. provides state-of-the-art restorative and cosmetic dentistry to help protect and restore healthy smiles. Learn more about these services online or call (918) 486-6516 to schedule a convenient oral exam.