How Often Should I Floss & Use Mouthwash?

Are you wondering how to maintain a good at-home oral hygiene routine? After all, taking care of your teeth and gums at home is essential to maintaining a lifetime of great oral health! Here are beneficial steps in your oral care:

Brush Twice a Day for Two Minutes Each Session

While two minutes twice a day may seem like a lot, it’s necessary to keep your smile healthy and strong. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, use gentle circular motions to thoroughly brush each quadrant of your teeth for 30 seconds. Remember to brush your tongue too. We recommend brushing your teeth at the beginning and the end of your day. You can add in an afternoon tooth-brushing session if your teeth start to get an uncomfortable film on them or if your breath needs a refresh. If you are having a hard time staying consistent with brushing your teeth, try investing in an electric toothbrush!

Floss at Least Once a Day

Don’t forget to floss every day. Flossing will remove trapped food debris and bacteria from between your teeth and from under your gums. You have a higher risk of developing cavities and tartar buildup if these particles sit on your teeth overnight.

Mouthwash Is Optional

Although mouthwash is not a required step in an oral hygiene routine, using it does have some benefits, especially if you are struggle with gingivitis. Rinsing and gargling with alcohol-free mouthwash after you brush and floss can help keep your breath fresh for longer. We recommend opting for fluoridated mouthwash or an anti-gingivitis formulation. Use it either every day or several times a week.

Visit Us Every 6 Months

Even if you have a strong oral hygiene routine at home, don’t skip your biannual dental checkups. Visiting your dentist’s office twice a year allows your team to thoroughly clean your teeth and examine your mouth for any early signs of tooth decay, oral cancer, and other dental problems. In conjunction with your daily oral hygiene and a balanced diet, these preventive visits promote positive oral health so you can enjoy your day without oral pain.

Overdue for a checkup? Our Main Street Dental team would love to take care of you! Please contact our office to schedule an appointment.

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Categorised in: Preventive Dental Care