At Ringway Dental, we know that our teeth play a crucial role in our daily lives, which is why it’s so important that we keep them healthy. You may be wondering where to start when it comes to taking continuous care of your teeth at home. It may seem easy just to brush them, but what else should be involved in the perfect at home dental routine? We’ve put together a guide on the best things you can do from your own home to keep your smile as bright as it can be.
Always make sure you brush your teeth twice a day, and never go to bed without brushing as this can lead to a buildup of plaque that has accumulated throughout the day. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to other issues like gingivitis (early gum disease). Ensure to brush your teeth for 2 minutes in total, doing your best to focus on all areas of your mouth. Brush all surfaces of your teeth, both the top and bottom of your mouth. Brush with a fluoride toothpaste as fluoride is a strong defence against tooth decay and provides a protective barrier.
A YouGov study concluded that ‘three in ten Britons only brush their teeth once a day’, which we know is putting them at risk of tooth decay and gum disease and many other oral issues. It’s important to maintain a regular home dental routine.
Including brushing your tongue in your dental routine can prevent many oral issues. Bacteria can still form on your tongue, and brushing your teeth religiously won’t stand a good purpose if you are neglecting brushing your tongue. Just rinsing your mouth out is not enough to remove any bacteria building up on the tongue, and can lead to bad breath. Don’t ignore your tongue, and try to clean as much of it as you can without gagging.
When you first decide to floss, it can seem daunting if you have never done it before. The best way to floss is by following the curve of your teeth to avoid damaging your gums, as this can lead to bleeding. It can be difficult to floss if you are a younger child or somebody with arthritis but there are many tools that can still help it be an easier process, like ready to use flossers. There are also many video tutorials online to help you get the best results flossing from home.
If you’re brushing twice a day and flossing, it can be tempting to stop there. However, adding mouthwash and gum to your dental routine is the perfect addition. Using mouthwash for 30 seconds, twice a day, will help to fight plaque and kill bacteria. Gum not only freshens your breath but also is a good source of calcium for your teeth, helping to replenish tooth enamel.
There are other things you can do to keep your smile bright at home that may not seem specifically part of your dental routine. Your lifestyle can play an important role in taking care of your teeth and it’s important to make small changes when you can. To help maintain your oral hygiene at home, try to include the following into your routine as much as possible:
You’ll never know how good your oral health is until you visit a dentist, but these are some of the things you can do to try and maintain good oral health and hygiene at home. Visiting a dentist means you can target parts of your oral health that you may need to pay extra attention to, but otherwise wouldn’t be aware of. To learn more information about our dental hygiene services and why you should regularly visit a dental hygienist, visit our page here.
At Ringway Dental, we truly are passionate about encouraging good oral health and hygiene. A good at home dental routine can make a huge difference. We care very much about preventative dentistry and doing everything you can to prevent having oral issues further down the line. When visiting us, our skilled team are able to identify any issues that may be occurring and advise you on the best course of action. If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort whilst brushing your teeth, it’s likely time to visit us sooner rather than later. Get in touch with us today to book a consultation. Call our friendly team now on 0161 437 2029 and let us help you smile with confidence.