5 Tips for Great Oral Health

Brushing your teeth twice a day does not guarantee you are giving your mouth the right kind of attention. That’s why we’ve got some tips to help you maintain your oral health! 

Use the proper brushing technique: A quick wash and brush aren’t enough to remove all those leftover food particles and polish your teeth. Instead, we suggest you use a technique that’s, in fact, been recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA): Begin by brushing at a 45-degree angle to the gums and then use short strokes (back and forth) across the tops and sides of your teeth. Once this is done, hold your brush vertically and use shorter strokes to focus on the back of your teeth. 

Brush for long enough: Most people ensure that they brush regularly, but they don’t brush often enough for their teeth to stay cleaner. If you have trouble gauging just how long you are brushing your teeth, try setting a timer on your phone or listening to a short song. 

Use the right brush: The kind of brush you pick also plays a role in how well you are able to brush. So, always pick a brush with small bristles, so it can reach into all the crevices between your teeth. According to the International Dental Health Association, a small- or medium-sized toothbrush is what most adults require. 

Make sure to floss: Like brushing, it's important that you floss properly so you are able to remove food particles and germs that are stuck between your teeth. Ideally, you should use a piece of floss that is at least 18 inches long, thus allowing you to move to a fresh area of floss after you’re done with a free tooth (this is so you don’t reinsert bacteria you’ve removed back into your teeth).

Use mouthwash: A good mouthwash can go where floss and toothbrushes don’t rid your mouth of the debris that causes gingivitis and irritates your gum line. Add a mouthwash to your oral care regimen so you are able to get a thorough cleaning, even when you are on the go.