Having good dental hygiene at home is just as important as visiting the dentist. Here are some at-home practices that can help maintain good oral hygiene.
- Brushing your teeth twice a day
While brushing alone won’t remove all of the plaque and bacteria from your mouth, it’s an important step to keeping a healthy smile. We recommend that patients brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. This will keep away harmful bacteria and keep your teeth in tip-top shape! Make sure you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste while brushing. If needed, use mouthwash for an extra clean feeling.
- Flossing your teeth once a day
After brushing your teeth, it’s time to floss! This will remove food and plaque from between your teeth that your toothbrush couldn’t quite reach. It’s also a good idea to get into the habit of flossing before you go to bed, especially if you’ve eaten dinner or snacks throughout the day. If you have braces on, you should floss after every meal to make sure food doesn’t get stuck between your brackets and wires. We recommend using a floss threader to make it easier to floss around your wires. By following these steps for at-home oral care, you’ll be well on your way to having a healthy smile!
- Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash
It’s helpful for your oral health to rinse with antiseptic mouthwash, which helps to reduce plaque buildup and prevent cavities from forming on your teeth. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can help keep your teeth and gums healthy, which in turn keeps your entire body healthy as well. So, if you want to have a healthy smile for life, make sure you use an antibacterial mouthwash.
Benefits of using antibacterial mouthwash include:
- It kills harmful bacteria in your mouth to reduce plaque buildup and prevent tooth decay and other oral issues.
- It freshens your breath to keep your breath smelling fresh and clean.
- It reduces gum inflammation and sensitivity to keep your gums healthy and disease-free.
- It is an affordable product that you can use every day.
However, there are certain mouthwashes you should avoid because they contain alcohol or chemicals that can dry out your mouth and lead to other problems over time. It’s best to consult with your dentist to determine which type of antibacterial mouthwash is best for you.
To learn ways to care for your oral health, call Dentures Plus at (408) 259-1200 or visit our dental office at 1697 Havana Drive, San Jose, CA 95122.
