Did you know your oral health greatly impacts your body’s overall health? Plaque accumulation can lead to serious health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. That’s why you need to develop an oral hygiene routine beyond just brushing your teeth – a simple routine you can easily follow for the rest of your life. 

Dental routines may vary depending on age, diet, occupation, and other factors. But certain aspects of oral hygiene are universal – daily care, a healthy diet, drinking water with fluoride, and routine professional checkups and cleanings.

Here’s a basic daily dental routine to help keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright!

Brush

The first obvious step is brushing your teeth at least twice a day – every morning and before bedtime. Brushing your teeth helps remove the bacterial plaque that can cause tooth decay and other diseases. But for brushing to be effective, you must use the right techniques and tools.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush and changing it every 3 months. Also, choose a toothpaste approved by the ADA.

To brush your teeth properly, hold your toothbrush at a 45° angle and aim for your gums. Use gentle circular motions to brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces on top. Brush for at least two minutes, staying in each quadrant of your mouth for 30 seconds. Some electric toothbrushes have two-minute timers and beep every 30 seconds so you know when to move on.

Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. Plaque can also build up on your tongue, causing bad breath and other oral health problems. Spit the toothpaste out but try not to rinse away the fluoride that helps protect your teeth.

Read More: Are You Using the Right Toothpaste?

Floss

Floss all your teeth at least once a day – preferably at night before bed. Flossing drags out particles of food that hide between teeth and helps loosen plaque, so flossing first and then brushing is more effective.

Use enough floss to have a clean section for each tooth – about 18 inches. Wrap the floss around your index fingers and gently move it up and down between each tooth. Wind off a clean section for the next tooth, and don’t forget your back molars.

If a long piece of floss is too awkward, try a ready-to-use dental flosser. These plastic holders with an inch of floss can make flossing quick and easy.

Read More: Is Flossing Really Necessary?

Use mouthwash

After brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth with mouthwash to destroy more bacteria and prevent plaque from forming. Swoosh a capful of it around in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. This simple step clears out any remaining tidbits of toothpaste and food – and leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean!

Rinsing with mouthwash is also helpful for children and older adults who may not follow a thorough oral hygiene routine.

Read More: 5 Benefits of Using Mouthwash

Visit your dentist

Even if you follow a daily dental routine, you still need to see your dentist regularly. Plan a checkup and cleaning every 6 months so your dentist can perform a routine exam, look for cavities and other issues, and clean the plaque and tartar from your teeth.

Looking for a dentist you can trust?

If you’re looking for a caring family dentist in the Bryan/College Station area, call Atkins & Anderson DDS today. Your comfort is our highest priority, and our team excels at giving people of all ages healthy teeth and beautiful smiles!