You left your last dental checkup feeling dejected because you had more cavities than you should have. After getting all those fillings done, you decided to be more proactive about your oral health by taking better care of your teeth and gums. The problem is, you’re not exactly sure where to start improving. Read on as a dentist in Lakewood offers six easy ways to get started on making your smile healthier.
1. Use the Right Product
Not all toothpastes are created equal. For example, some specifically target plaque while others are designed to whiten your teeth. No matter what kind of toothpaste you’re in the market for, always look for the ADA Seal of Approval. This means that the American Dental Association has approved the product as beneficial for your oral health. Additionally, they contain fluoride, a mineral that strengthens your enamel and prevents cavities.
2. Don’t Rinse
Contrary to popular belief, you’re actually not supposed to rinse your mouth out with water after brushing. Why? It takes about half an hour for the fluoride from your toothpaste to seep into your enamel and restore its strength. Washing the toothpaste residue away means you won’t reap all the rewards of brushing. It may feel strange at first, but your teeth will benefit from not rinsing.
3. Angle Your Brush Correctly
Most people hold their toothbrush horizontally as they brush. However, this doesn’t provide as effective a clean. Instead, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums. This way, you can clean along your gumline in spots where plaque likes to build up.
4. Take Your Time
The ADA recommends brushing for two minutes twice a day, but the average American only brushes for forty-five seconds or less. To get an idea of how long you should spend brushing, sing the alphabet song to yourself twice and don’t stop brushing until you’ve finished.
5. Don’t Neglect Your Tongue
Even if you brush and floss daily, bacteria can still accumulate on your tongue and deposit back on your teeth and gums. Not to mention, it can cause seriously bad breath. Using either the back of your toothbrush or a tongue scraper, gently scrub your tongue from back to front at least once a day.
6. Keep Your Toothbrush Fresh
After you’re done brushing, make sure to rinse it off with hot water to kill any germs it may have acquired. You should deep clean your brush at least once a week by either boiling it in hot water or letting it soak in denture cleanser. Lastly, replace your brush every three months on the dot, or even sooner if you’ve been sick recently.
Taking good care of your mouth doesn’t have to be hard. By following these six tips, you can drastically decrease the number of cavities your dentist will find at your next checkup!
About the Author
Dr. Vincenzo Artino is a dentist in Lakewood, CO who earned his doctorate at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. His contagious smile and optimistic outlook make his patients look forward to their visits with him. He will work tirelessly to ensure that your smile is as healthy as can be. To learn more about how to take care of your smile, contact Dr. Vinnie via his website or by calling (303) 238-2800.