5 Tips and Tricks for Better Oral Hygiene

Beyond your twice-daily brushing routine, you probably don’t think too much about your oral hygiene habits. While brushing is a great start, there are many things you can do for a brighter, fresher, and healthier smile.

1. Floss!

You know you should floss, but do you as often as you should? Flossing once a day is just as important as brushing your teeth. In fact, 40% of plaque is removed by flossing. That’s almost half. Be sure to practice proper flossing technique, and floss between each individual tooth with a clean section of floss.

2. Keep Your Toothbrush Clean

When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? If you can’t remember, then it’s been too long! It’s important to replace your toothbrush every three months. It’s also a good idea to purchase a new one after you’ve been sick, as bristles can harbor germs.

And don’t think electric toothbrushes are exempt! Treat them the same as you would traditional ones, and replace the brush attachment when the bristles show signs of wear.

Don’t share your toothbrush! You’ll be swapping more than just saliva if you share your brush with a partner or family member. You could be sharing tooth-decaying bacteria.

3. Store Your Toothbrush Properly

Although unsightly, putting your toothbrush anywhere then in a cup on the counter is asking for problems. Storing it in a drawer, container, or medicine cabinet can keep it from drying out between uses. Dark and damp conditions are optimal for bacterial growth, and bad for your mouth!

4. Don’t Forget Your Tongue

Your tongue can harbor plaque, just like your teeth and gums. Simply rinsing your mouth out with mouthwash isn’t enough to clear the nooks and crannies of bacteria. Brush your tongue with your toothbrush, or use a tongue scraper to get rid of any buildup, reduce bad breath, excess bacteria, and help prevent against cavities.

5. Get Regular Cleanings

You’ve heard it before. Self-care just isn’t enough. Regular dental visits and cleanings are an important part of your dental health routine. Cleanings can remove excess plaque that have built up over time, and allow us to catch any problems in their early stages.

Not every dental visit has to be all doom and gloom. If you’re in the San Clemente area, come visit Shoreline Dental Studio for a thorough check up. Dr. Livingston and Dr. Ritzau, along with the rest of our dental team provides quality dental care in a comfortable and caring environment.