Do A “Check-Up” Of Your At-Home Oral Care Routine

Being diligent about your twice-daily at-home oral hygiene routine has great pay-offs. This time at the sink can help to prevent the costs and time in treatment for cavities and gum disease. A clean mouth can also help your breath be fresher and your smile be brighter.

But, are you spending this time wisely?

For those who are dedicated to their twice-a-day brushing and flossing routines, certain measures can have a significant effect on doing the job right, or just going through the motions. Below are tips to make sure your oral hygiene time is spent wisely.

• Brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time. When brushing, focus on the teeth in four sections for thorough brushing. Go over all areas of the teeth in each segment, including the backs and tops of teeth. Use a circular motion rather than a scrubbing, back-&-forth motion.

• Check your brushing technique by looking at your toothbrush’s bristles. The tips of these bristles are designed so the tips sweep over teeth to break up the sticky buildup of bacteria that coats the interior of the mouth between brushings. This is known as plaque, which will turn into cement-hard tartar if not removed thoroughly each day. When you push down on the bristles with too much force, it means the sides of the bristles, not the tips, are moving across teeth. If you notice that the bristles of your toothbrush are bending outward after a month or so, you’re pressing down too hard.

• Be as committed to flossing each day as brushing your teeth. Flossing removes particles caught in-between teeth that can rot and add greatly to oral bacteria levels. Flossing also breaks up the margins between teeth (where they touch each other). Flossing can be easy. If you find flossing difficult or awkward, consider purchasing an electronic flosser. Studies have shown these can be just as effective as manual flossing. Want extra tips on flossing? Watch our video: Easy Flossing By Dr. Barbat

• Keep your mouth moist to support saliva flow. Saliva helps to rinse away bacteria and food particles from the mouth, keeping bacteria levels more manageable. Drink plenty of plain water throughout the day and try to minimize caffeine (especially in coffee, tea, and colas).

• You can help to greatly lower oral bacteria levels in the mouth by brushing the tongue after brushing teeth. Be sure to reach the back of the tongue where most bacteria exist (often revealed by the whiter color and smoother surface). If you go too far back, your gag reflex will let you know. Some toothbrushes have a tongue scraper surface on the back side of the bristles. There are also tongue scrapers available for purchase. These are flexible strips that should be used to scrape from back to front 3 or more times after brushing. Rinse the scraper after each pass and swish the mouth rigorously with water after.

If you’re past due for dental exams and cleanings, our Shelby Township dental office is always happy to welcome new smiles. In addition to general dentistry and treatment of gum disease, we offer a complete menu for dental services for your family. Dentistry at our Macomb County dental office includes dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, Crown & Bridge, and treatment of TMJ disorders. Oral and IV sedation are also available.

For a free, no-charge consultation, call 586-739-2155 or tap here to begin. You may also want to get to know our Shelby Township dental office through a brief video: DrBarbatOfficeTour