Caring for your smile really shouldn’t be that challenging.oral hygiene

Do you remember the last time you flossed? How about brushed your teeth? How long did you brush your teeth the last time you did? When was the last time you visited our Port Orchard, WA, dentist, Dr. Ronald Schoepflin, for a routine checkup? While it might sound like this is an interrogation, these questions shed some light on whether or not you are doing what you need to, to keep your smile healthy.

Here are some helpful hints to follow.

Brush At Least Twice a Day

How you brush and how often are key to whether or not you are giving your teeth the thorough cleaning they need to remove plaque buildup and bacteria. It’s important that you brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning when you first get out of bed and at night before bedtime. Make sure you are brushing for a full 2 minutes (something most people don’t do!). Set a timer to hold yourself accountable for brushing for the full amount of time.

Replace Your Toothbrush Head

Your toothbrush head isn’t meant to last forever. No matter whether you have an electric toothbrush or a manual one, they will need to be replaced eventually. How can you tell when it’s time to ditch that old toothbrush head? When the bristles fray out and look worn. Once the bristles fray they are too rough on teeth enamel and could wear them away over time. A good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush head every 3-4 months or immediately after an illness.

Flossing is Crucial

You need to also spend time flossing your teeth. Luckily, you really only have to do this once a day in order to reap the benefits of clean, plaque-free spaces between teeth. Brushing alone just won’t cut it. You need to turn to floss to be able to get into these hard-to-reach spots that bristles just can’t go. Once you make flossing part of the routine it will take no time at all. If you need help figuring out how to floss your teeth properly don’t hesitate to ask our Port Orchard general dentist for advice on proper technique.

Eat a Healthy Diet

What you eat doesn’t just impact your overall health, it also affects the health of your teeth and gums. Avoiding sugar, white starches and processed food will go a long way to protecting your smile and reducing your risk for cavities. A healthy diet should be rich in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy. Also, alcohol should be consumed in moderation.

Do you have questions about the best oral hygiene practices? Need to schedule your next routine cleaning with our Port Orchard, WA, dental team? Whether you have questions or need to schedule your next checkup, never hesitate to reach out to Schoepflin Dental Excellence.