You likely already know that brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria to help you resist common problems, like cavities and gum disease. However, those aren’t the only steps you can take to proactively safeguard your smile.
There are several other ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums that you might not already know. Continue reading to learn 3 additional things you can do to protect and preserve your grin!
Habit #1: Clean Your Tongue
You might think that scrubbing your teeth with your toothbrush and toothpaste is enough to clean your mouth thoroughly, but bacteria can cling to surfaces other than your enamel. For instance, your tongue can carry plenty of germs that contribute to oral issues, like halitosis (chronic bad breath), tooth decay, and gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease.
Taking a few extra moments to also gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria thriving there. Some patients prefer to purchase a separate tongue scraper to avoid collecting additional residue on the bristles of their toothbrush.
Habit #2: Use Antibacterial Mouthwash
Brushing your teeth and tongue combined with flossing twice daily removes a great deal of plaque and bacteria from your enamel, but it doesn’t necessarily completely eradicate germs. They can hide in difficult-to-reach places, like behind your molars, toward the back of your mouth, and under your tongue.
Rinsing your mouth at least once every day with a non-alcoholic, antimicrobial rinse can potentially kill 99.9% of harmful germs that are known to cause cavities, periodontal problems, and bad breath. It also reduces plaque by up to 52% more than brushing and flossing alone can achieve. That makes it an essential addition to your daily dental hygiene routine.
Habit #3: Replace Your Toothbrush
If it’s been a while since you’ve purchased a new toothbrush, you may want to consider getting a new one. The American Dental Association recommends that your replace it every three months, because the bristles wear down and become ineffective. Plus, they collect plaque and bacteria over time, which can be reintroduced to your mouth the next time you scrub your enamel.
Fortunately, it’s not difficult to find new toothbrushes. Most grocery stores and pharmacies carry a variety of options. Whether you prefer an electric brush that times you so you know how long to scrub or opt for a cost-effective manual brush with soft bristles to avoid sensitivity, you’re sure to find something that meets your individual needs.
If you’re still looking for additional ways to enhance your daily dental routine, you can discuss potential improvements with your dentist at your next checkup!
About the Practice
At Distinctive Dentistry, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists dedicated to helping you build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Shirley, Dr. Cannon, and Dr. Bickford share decades of combined experience providing a comprehensive menu of services under one roof. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals, then tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs. Whether you need a routine checkup and cleaning or are worried about tooth decay or gum disease, they have the experience and state-of-the-art equipment to deliver comfortable, accurate services. You can request an appointment on the website or call (770) 445-6606.
