We all know that brushing and flossing are major parts of good oral hygiene. But bad habits can creep up on us all, even with our best efforts. Luckily, it’s never too late to brush up on your brushing habits!
One of the habits that is easiest to slip into is not brushing long enough. Each session should take 2 minutes, and you should brush twice a day. If you are having trouble taking enough time on your teeth, try setting a timer.
Don’t brush right after eating–especially if you’ve had something acidic, like grapefruit, lemons, soft drinks, or alcoholic drinks. Brushing right after consuming acidic foods can harm your teeth. Wait 20-30 minutes after eating to clean your teeth by brushing or flossing. Try chewing sugarless, ADA approved gum to help clean your mouth while you wait. Or, for overall body health while cleaning your mouth, drink plain water!
Don’t forget to floss! Using floss or other interdental cleaners is a major part of keeping the mouth clean from leftover food particles, and safe from cavity-causing bacteria. Flossing should take 2-3 minutes per session, making sure to floss around all surfaces of the teeth. Don’t forget the back row!
When storing your toothbrush, be sure to store it in open air, upright, away from other toothbrushes, chemicals, or other harmful products. Storing toothbrushes together or near harmful products can lead to cross-contamination.
Talk to your dentist about other healthy habits to include in your oral hygiene routine. Dr. Eric Eidbo and our team here at Oak Grove Dental in Concord, California, will be happy to help you on your way to an even healthier smile! Call us at 925-685-2286 to set an appointment today!