While you may be a stickler about making routine appointments at your Staten Island dentist for cleanings and check-ups, you should also be doing your part at home. Of course, we all have our own routines when it comes to brushing and flossing, and some of these are spot on while others could use a little tweaking. To help ensure you’re making the most of your oral hygiene at home, here are a few tips that are simple to apply.
Have a Timer in Your Bathroom for Brushing Teeth
Most dentists agree that you should brush your teeth for (at least) 2 minutes to ensure you get everything clean. However, this can be difficult to accomplish when you don’t have a timer in your bathroom. What feels like two minutes could actually be thirty seconds. Have a timer in your bathroom or play a two-minute song to ensure you’re brushing for long enough.
Products Recommended by Your Dentist
Don’t just grab whitening kits at your grocery store if you want a brighter smile. Involve cosmetic dentists if you want the healthiest and most effective techniques for straightening your teeth and whitening your smile. You can ask the dentist about cosmetic treatments and products, as well as routine oral hygiene products like toothpaste to ensure you’re stocking your bathroom with the right items. While at home, take the time to learn more about the different dental treatments that you can take advantage of to enhance your smile and then schedule a consultation to learn more.
Attention to the Foods You’re Eating
The foods you eat can impact your oral health, and you should make mindful choices. Dark beverages like coffee and red wine and dark foods, can cause discolorations. Also, sweets can cause cavities and rot, so you’ll want to make sure you are brushing your teeth about thirty minutes after meals that are dark and have a lot of sugar in them.
Forget to Floss!
To have good oral hygiene at home, make sure you’re flossing because this is one of the best ways to get in areas that some toothbrushes can’t. If you aren’t sure about the proper techniques to use when flossing or you find that your gums tend to be bleed or become sensitive, visit your dentist for an oral exam and to learn more about the best methods.
