Advice from Your Local Leander Dentist & Team – Don’t Forget the Basics of Oral Hygiene

Take it from a Leander dentist with years of experience: the basics of oral hygiene are the foundation of a lifetime of dental health!  It doesn’t matter how young or old a person is, or what sort of shape their teeth are currently in.  Practicing good oral hygiene habits will help prevent oral disease.

In particular, it’s especially important to pass these tips on to children and younger people.  They really can avoid a lifetime of dental problems, just by learning the basics.

Oral Hygiene 101 from a Leander Dentist

1. Brushing

• Brush at least twice a day, preferably after every meal.  This protects your teeth, and it will help your breath smell better!
• Don’t brush immediately after a meal; wait at least a few minutes – particularly if you’ve eating acidic foods.
• Good brushing technique: Hold the brush at an angle and aim to brush both your teeth and your gums.  Use gentle circular back-and-forth motions.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, otherwise, it could damage your gums.
• Don’t rush.  Proper toothbrushing should take a couple of minutes.
• Always give your toothbrush a thorough rinsing afterward, or else it could become a home for germs and contamination.  Hang it upright, bristles on top, so it can air dry between uses.
• Replace your toothbrush regularly, at least every 3-6 months, so it doesn’t wear out.
• Remember your tongue!  It can harbor plenty of germs and contribute to gingivitis.  Scrub it with either a toothbrush or a tongue scrubber.

1. Flossing

• Flossing regularly is vital because it gets the food particles and plaque between teeth, which your toothbrush cannot reach.
• Use plenty of floss – you should be using at least 18 inches for each flossing session.  You want enough so that it’s easy to reach the back of your mouth.
• Be gentle when inserting the floss.  If you go too fast, you can cut your gum.
• Don’t move the floss straight up and down between the teeth.  Hold it against each tooth surface, so that it forms a bend and can more effectively scour that tooth surface.
• Take your time.  This probably takes a few minutes, but it’s worth it!
• If you have difficulty using regular floss, pre-strung flossers are fine too. (But more expensive.)

Let Reveal Dental Take Care of Your Oral Hygiene 

Plus, of course, don’t forget about regular appointments with our friendly Leander dentist, Dr. Alkesh C. Sura.  Click here to schedule a full oral check-up cleaning for yourself or your whole family.