Whenever you go to the dentist, one of the team members you often spend the most time with (especially for a routine visit) is a hygienist. On top of being able to thoroughly clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, hygienists offer a wealth of knowledge when it comes to keeping your smile cavity-free between appointments. Below, you’ll find the 5 top tips hygienists share whenever a patient asks, “What can I do to take better care of my teeth at home?”
1. Two Whole Minutes
Did you know that the American Dental Association says that, at minimum, you should be brushing twice a day for two minutes each? Most people don’t take nearly that long, but the fix is easy—set a timer! This is a feature included with many electric toothbrushes, but if you use a manual brush, setting a timer on your phone will help you take what research has shown is the optimal amount of time to remove cavity-causing plaque and bacteria.
2. 30-Seconds Per Arch
For many people, brushing their teeth is a mindless activity, but it shouldn’t be! The two minutes mentioned above should be divided into four 30-second segments, one per each quadrant of your mouth. The quadrants are defined by the front teeth of the upper and lower arch—the area to the left of the front teeth is one quadrant, and the area to the right is another. Taking this approach ensures that each tooth gets enough attention.
3. Don’t Forget Your Gums
Your teeth have two distinct parts—the crown, which is what you can see when you smile, and the root, which is hidden below the gum line. The roots and gums (along with the nearby bone) are what keep your teeth stable. Where your teeth meet your gums, plaque and bacteria can accumulate in tiny spaces, leading to gum disease and eventually tooth loss. So, when brushing, make sure to clean along your gum line as well, as this will go a long way in stopping potential infections.
4. Yes, Flossing Matters
While brushing is essential, it can only accomplish so much on its own. The small spaces between your teeth can be easily missed by the bristles, leading to cavities that are extremely tricky to repair. Flossing allows you to clean these areas, which is not only good for your oral health, but this will make your breath smell much better as well!
5. Drink, Don’t Sip!
Drinks like coffee, wine, and soda are notorious for staining teeth, but you can help maintain your smile’s shade by not sipping them. Sipping slowly significantly increases the amount of time your teeth are exposed to these beverages, giving them more of an opportunity to create stains. Instead, if you consume them relatively quickly (in less than 5 minutes), this will reduce your risk of having less than pearly whites.
If you ever have a dental question, you don’t have to just ask your dentist. Your hygienist can be tremendously helpful as well, ensuring you and your loved ones enjoy bright and problem-free smiles for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Krysten Jackson and Dr. Eric Parsons lead the incredible team at El Reno Family Dentistry. They are both dedicated to delivering the most comfortable dental experience possible using the latest technology, and they along with our hygienists go above and beyond at every appointment. To get more dental hygiene tips or schedule your next appointment, click here.