Your oral care routine should include more than just brushing.
What are you doing to ensure that you have a healthy smile? Can you list all the ways that you keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy? If there are some gaps in your routine, it’s a good thing that you caught them now so that you can make the necessary changes. From the office of our Madison, TN, dentists Drs. Mark and Andrew Thomasson, here are some ways to soup up your oral care routine,
Brushing Tips
- Brush your teeth twice a day, preferably first thing in the morning and right before going to bed.
- Don’t forget to brush your teeth at night, as this can leave plaque and food to sit on teeth and gums for hours, leading to decay and inflammation.
- Make sure you are brushing both the front and back surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue (which can also harbor bad breath-causing bacteria).
- You should brush for a minimum of 2 minutes every time that you brush.
- Replace your toothbrush head every 3-4 months, or the moment you notice the bristles looking worn. Worn bristles can actually be too harsh on teeth, causing excessive wear and tear on enamel. You should also replace your toothbrush head after being sick.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Talk to your Madison, TN, family dentist about whether an electric toothbrush may help you get a cleaner smile.
Flossing Tips
- Always use a generous amount of floss (approximately 18 inches).
- Make sure that you are gliding the floss up and down along the sides of each tooth.
- Always use a clean, unused section of floss for each tooth.
- Floss at least once a day, ideally at night time before brushing your teeth.
- If you have braces or a dental bridge, opt for floss threaders or a water flosser to easily clean between braces or dental restorations.
Lifestyle Tips
- Visit your dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.
- Talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard if you grind your teeth while you sleep, which can protect teeth from damage.
- If you’re playing sports, it’s important that you wear a mouthguard, especially if playing high-contact sports.
- Avoid sugar, starches and processed foods, which can lead to decay.
- Enjoy a healthy, balanced diet.
- Make sure to stay hydrated every day.
Looking for a dentist in Madison, TN, that can provide dental care to your whole family? If so, Thomasson Dental is here to make sure that everyone gets the individualized treatment and care they need at any age.