Incorporate These Simple Tips From Our Elmhurst Dentists Into Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

Written by Dr. Scharfenberg on Jul 17, 2018

When you care for your smile properly at home, you help strengthen your teeth and gums, and help them stand up to the wear and tear of daily life. In this short article, our Elmhurst dentists are talking to you about ways that you can optimize your oral health routine. There are some simple things that you can do to refresh your smile every day!

First of all, your dentist will let you know how often you need to be brushing and flossing your teeth. The general recommendation from the American Dental Association is that patients brush their teeth twice a day and then floss every evening. You should follow the specific directions of your dental team re: daily brushing and flossing.

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re brushing your teeth:

You should try to brush your smile for at least two minutes every time that you brush. This is actually a pretty long time! You can set a timer or listen to a two-minute-long song to help keep you on track.

Talk to your dentist about what type of toothbrush is right for you. Did you know that using a toothbrush with too firm bristles can actually cause dental damage? You want to make sure that you use a brush that cleans effectively, while being gentle enough for everyday use. For most people, this means using a soft-bristled brush, but, again, talk to your dentist I for additional guidance.

Additionally, it’s important that you not brush your teeth for at least twenty to thirty minutes after consuming something acidic. During this period of time, your dental enamel is actually softer than it normally is. Brushing too quickly after acid exposure can lead to enamel thinning over time.

If you want to learn more about taking care of your smile at home, our Elmhurst dentists are here to help you in any way we can. Give us a call to learn more and to schedule a personal consultation!