You might be surprised to learn that some of your habits are actually bad for your smile.
We all want a healthy, beautiful smile. That’s why we all brush and floss regularly, right? Of course, sometimes we go through the motions of caring for our smiles but we don’t actively think about whether we are doing everything we can to maintain good oral health. From the office of our Kirkland, WA, dentist Dr. Bernard Pak, find out if your oral routine is ideal or if it could use some tweaks.
Your Oral Care Routine
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to brushing your teeth. Sure, it’s a habit you’ve adopted since you were little; however, this doesn’t necessarily mean you are doing it right. Here are some tips to follow to improve your brushing routine:
Make sure you aren’t brushing too hard. If you brush too aggressively you can wear down tooth enamel. If you find that you have a heavy hand when you brush you may want to opt for an electric toothbrush, which automatically applies the proper pressure needed to clean teeth effectively without damaging enamel.
Brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and again at night before bedtime. When you brush make sure you are brushing for a minimum of two minutes each time. You might be surprised to know that most people think they are brushing long enough when in actuality they are only brushing for 30 seconds to one minute. If you don’t have an electronic toothbrush with a built-in timer, then you can easily time yourself with your smartphone or kitchen timer to make sure you are brushing long enough.
Make sure you aren’t forgetting to floss. After all, flossing every day is the only way to remove plaque and food from between teeth, which will prevent decay from developing in these areas. If you don’t floss you are leaving a major portion of your mouth unclean and prone to decay and gum disease.
Your Diet
Are you someone who just loves soda? Do you find yourself eating more sugar than you would like to admit? If so, then you may also be dealing with the dental issues to prove it. As our Kirkland, WA, general dentist will tell you, a diet rich in processed/junk foods and sugar will greatly increase your chances of decay. To protect your teeth and gums, and to make sure they are getting all the proper nutrients they need, you should limit sugar consumption and maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
Do you have questions about your at-home oral routine? Do you want to talk to us about routine cleanings, night guards or other ways to protect your smile? Then call Kirkland Smiles Dental Care in Kirkland, WA, today.