A good oral hygiene routine is one of the best investments you can make in your teeth. Improve your routine with the right dentist in Brewster NY.
3 in 10 American adults 27-42 years old only brush their teeth once a day. They go over two days without brushing at least once.
56% are worried about losing their teeth because of their negligence. They know they need to make a change, but they're not sure where to start.
Read on to learn how a proper oral hygiene routine and a dentist in Brewster, NY can help you maintain your oral health.
1. Brush and Floss
Brushing and flossing more often are one of the best places to start when trying to improve your oral hygiene routine. It's important to do them both often enough and with the right motions.
Tooth Brushing
Tooth brushing is the first and most important part of any hygiene routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes.
Imagine your mouth is split up into four quadrants. They include the:
- Upper right
- Upper left
- Lower right
- Lower left
Try to spend at least 30 seconds on each one. Hold your toothbrush at a 45° angle and move in gentle circles. Don't forget the cheek, tongue, and top of your mouth as well.
Wait at least 30 minutes to an hour after eating acidic foods or drinking beverages like coffee before brushing. They can loosen the enamel of your teeth.
Flossing
North Americans buy almost 3 million miles of floss every year, but remembering to use it is one of the most frequently skipped parts of a dental hygiene routine. Only 16% of adults do it daily, and 8% never do.
Flossing before brushing once a day at night is best to remove built-up plaque and debris You can choose a different time if that doesn't work for you.
Get at least 18 inches of floss out each time. Wrap the ends around your index fingers and pull them tight.
Slide the floss between each tooth, going up and down on either side. Use the clean part as you move to remove as much as possible. Go gently so that you don't irritate your gums and cause them to bleed.
Many patients try to use flossers with plastic handles or water picks instead. They're not a perfect replacement for string floss but are better than leaving plaque and debris in your teeth.
2. Get the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Try to find a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can damage the enamel and irritate your gums.
Replace your toothbrush at least every three to four months or whenever the bristles get frayed. Replace the head of your electric toothbrush every three to four months as well.
Store your toothbrush upright in a cup or toothbrush holder or by laying it flat to dry. This keeps the bristles from becoming wet or misshapen.
When looking among all the types of toothpaste on the market, try to find one with fluoride in it. It strengthens the enamel of your teeth and protects them from decay.
40% of patients want oral care products to be more effective, but 33% want them to taste better. Look for toothpaste that has a flavor you won't dread putting in your mouth.
3. Use Mouthwash
Use mouthwash once or twice a day. It can help kill bacteria that you may have missed while brushing or flossing.
Do a bit of research before choosing one. It should be antibacterial, alcohol-free, and approved by the ADA. It also shouldn't burn or leave your mouth feeling dry.
Take out a capful and swish it in your mouth after brushing and flossing, then spit it out. If it has fluoride, don't rinse it out afterward. to let the fluoride sit on your teeth.
4. Diet, Hydration, and Healthy Habits
Drinking water is important for your oral health. It helps wash away food, debris, and bacteria.
Sugary foods increase the risk of cavities and oral infections. You should also avoid foods and drinks that are acidic or cause staining such as:
- Soft drinks
- Coffee
- Wine
- Sports drinks
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Crackers
- Pasta sauce
Try to get rid of any unhealthy habits as well. Smoking increases your risk for oral cancer and gum disease and can even make your teeth fall out.
5. Get Regular Checkups and Cleanings
At least 63% of adults
have had a dental visit in the past year. 86.9% of children have. This leaves a large section of the population who've ignored an essential part of their oral hygiene routine.
Regular checkups from a local dentist in Brewster, NY are essential. They can clean your teeth, give you preventative and cosmetic care, and offer tips that you'll use for the rest of your life.
Cleanings
Professional dental tools give your teeth a deep clean. It supplements your normal routine and gets to hard-to-reach places such as your back teeth.
Preventative Care
A dentist can provide other forms of preventative care beyond a simple cleaning during a checkup. This includes:
- Removing plaque along the gum line
- Catching and treating decaying teeth
- Checking for oral cancer
- Looking for impacted wisdom teeth
This preventative care is easier and cheaper than the alternative. If you let your dental issues go, they can lead to expensive, invasive surgery.
Cosmetic Care
Not all of a
dentist's services are about improving the health of your mouth. They can also be about improving the way it looks to raise your self-confidence.
They can address any cosmetic concerns you may have. Teeth whitening is the
most requested option around the world. Others include:
You can also get personalized tips during a checkup. Your dentist knows how to improve your dental health based on your history They can also advise you on how to brush and suggest the right brush, toothpaste, and mouthwash for you.
Where to Find a Dentist in Brewster, NY
Keeping any part of your body healthy requires following a routine, and the same goes for your mouth.
Adopting a better diet and quitting smoking will keep your teeth strong. Brush with the right toothbrush and toothpaste. Floss and use mouthwash. Get a checkup or appointment whenever you need preventative or cosmetic care.
Putnam Bright Smile Dentistry is your best choice for a dentist in Brewster, NY. Contact us for an appointment today.
