Oral hygiene is the biggest factor in determining your dental health. Despite this, many people are poorly informed about the best ways to care for your teeth. If you’re concerned about your dental care, review these preventative dentistry guidelines to ensure you’re doing everything right.

Oral Hygiene Maintenance Tips

Choose the Right Equipment

You should always use a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth, as fluoride is vital to hardening and protecting your enamel. A soft-bristled brush is recommended to keep from damaging enamel or irritating your gums.

Brush Twice Daily

You should brush your teeth twice each day, including once after you’re finished eating for the evening. Each time you brush, take two full minutes and address every surface in your mouth.

Use Good Oral Hygiene Technique

When you brush your teeth, hold the brush so its bristles are at a 45-degree angle to the surface of your tooth. This will allow them to sweep slightly under your gumline, where bacteria are likely to hide. Using firm but gentle motions, brush in small circles to avoid gum irritation.

Floss Correctly

When you floss, address both sides of every gap between your teeth. Pull the floss tight against one tooth to form a U shape and move it up and down, then do the same against the other tooth. You should floss once daily, preferably in the evening.

Improve Your Diet

What you eat can have a major impact on your oral health. Choose a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and avoid excessive sugar or acidic foods. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, in particular, will help clean your teeth as you eat them.

A few simple updates to your routine can make a world of difference in your hygiene and health. If your dental care isn’t up to par, make a change today. Tohill Dentistry is a father and son practice in Somerset, KY, dedicated to providing superior dental care. They offer reconstructive, cosmetic, and preventative oral hygiene procedures to keep your mouth in peak condition. To make an appointment, contact them today at (606) 679-4450 or online.