Happy young woman enjoying clean teeth after brushing electric teeth brush

Best Oral Hygiene Routine for Your Teeth

If you are not in love with your oral hygiene routine, it’s time to think of the benefits as well as how you approach brushing, flossing and rinsing. Your oral hygiene routine is what keeps your mouth healthy and prevent you from having cavities and developing gum disease, which can be uncomfortable and expensive to treat.

Signs of a Healthy Mouth and Smile

  • Your Breath Smells Fresh and Clean.
  • Your Gums Are Pink.
  • Your Gums Do Not Bleed or Hurt When You Brush.
  • Your Teeth Are Free of Stains and Extreme Discoloration.

Signs Your Not Loving Your Dental Hygiene Routine

If you tend to skip brushing and flossing, you are putting yourself at risk for cavities, gum disease and persistent bad breath that you cannot seem to tame. In the worst case scenarios, you may develop oral health problems that require root canals or extractions.

  • Your Gums Are Red or Inflamed.
  • Your Gums Bleed When You Brush and Floss.
  • You Are Plagued by Persistent Bad Breath.
  • You Have Had and Continue to Develop Cavities.

Developing The Best Oral Hygiene Routine You Can Love

When you develop an oral care routine that you love, you will enjoy fresh breath, clean teeth and fewer cavities. You will also be lowering your risk of developing gum diseases, like gingivitis and periodontal disease. You may even find yourself smiling more.

1. Choose the Right Toothpastes, Floss and Mouthwash

Loving your oral hygiene routine starts with loving the products. Always choose toothpastes, mouthwashes and flossing devices that carry the ADA seal of approval. Decide whether you like pastes or gels better and choose the one you like best. Next, choose a flossing device that works for you. Some individuals cannot use regular floss. Luckily, there are many different types of flossing devices available, including flossing tape, floss picks and brushes and water picks. Lastly, choose a mouthwash that has fluoride and contains an antibacterial ingredient. If you are having trouble deciding between products, our dentist can give you recommendations.

2. Brush at Least Twice a Day for Three Minutes

Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of three minutes. While brushing, it is important to reach every part of the gum line and brush along every tooth surface to remove food particles and plaque. The best times to brush are right after you wake up and before you go to bed. You can also brush after each meal. If you are having trouble brushing your teeth with a manual toothbrush, you may find it easier to use an electric toothbrush.

3. Remember to Floss Once a Day

Flossing once a day helps remove food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. When food particles are left between the teeth, they turn into plaque, which is a soft, sticky white substance. If the plaque is not removed within 24 hours, it can harden into tartar, which must be removed by a dentist. Choose to floss your teeth either in the morning or at night before you go to bed.

4. Use Mouthwash

The mouthwash you use should contain fluoride, which helps strengthen the enamel on your teeth. You can also choose a mouthwash that contains an antibacterial ingredient to help control the bacteria in your mouth. Mouthwash can be used as needed.

Regular Health Exams for a Clean Mouth with Our West Melbourne Dentist

Our West Melbourne dentist can help you maintain the health of your mouth with regular dental checkups and tips on how to maintain your oral hygiene at home. Each checkup includes looking for signs or oral health problems and cleaning your teeth and gums. If you have certain chronic or temporary conditions, like diabetes or are pregnant, you may need a more frequent checkup schedule to reduce your risk of developing cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.

To schedule a dental checkup with our dentist in Melbourne, FL, call us at 321-724-1400.