Many of us learned basic oral hygiene habits as children. Now that we are all grown up, it’s a good idea to review our techniques and make sure we are keeping our smiles healthy! Let’s review some at-home dental care basics.
Brush: Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice per day. Many people choose to brush when they wake up and just before bedtime. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your enamel and gum tissues from damage, and don’t brush too hard. Think more “massage” than “scrub.” Brushing with a stiff brush or harsh pressure can do significant damage to your enamel and gum tissues.
Floss: Floss your teeth for two to three minutes every day. Floss (or other interdental cleaners) clean the places that your toothbrush cannot reach–in between teeth and behind back molars, for example. Interdental cleaning can come before or after brushing, as long as you do both consistently.
Mouthwash: Some people choose to include mouthwash (also referred to as mouthrinse) in their daily hygiene routine. If you choose to do this, use a therapeutic mouthwash–that is, mouthwash that is designed to kill bacteria, rather than simply masking halitosis.
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