Do You Have Good Dental Care Habits?
We’ve all heard how important dental care can be for achieving optimal oral health but what exactly are good dental care habits? Visiting your St. Pete beach dentist, of course, is an essential component but what about when you are at home?
The Importance of Brushing
When it comes to taking care of those pearly whites, brushing might just be the most important thing you can do. We recommend brushing a minimum of at least two times a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Always purchase a soft-bristled toothbrush and be sure to also brush lightly.
When it comes to replacing your toothbrush, we recommend you replace it every 3 months. If you notice worn bristles or have been sick, we recommend replacing your brush immediately. Again, be sure to always buy soft-bristled toothbrushes.
The Importance of Flossing
While brushing is extremely important, there are some areas your brush is going to miss. Like in between your teeth! Flossing allows you to properly clean the areas between your teeth where bacteria and plaque love to hang out. Find flossing difficult? Try out some of the newer floss picks which allow you to reach areas easier and can easily be disposed of.
Got braces? A Waterpik can be a great dental addition which allows you to properly clean your braces and teeth without having to deal with the hassle of flossing between brackets, wires, and bands.
The Importance of Scraping
Another part of good dental care habits is cleaning your tongue! When people think of cleaning their “smile” they often just think of their teeth, however, did you know bacteria also love to hang out on your tongue? These bacteria can lead to bad breath, plaque buildup, dental decay and even gum disease! We recommend investing in a tongue scraper which can be used to remove leftover debris and bacteria.
Wondering how well you are doing with your dental care habits? Contact Dental Arts in St. Pete Beach today! We’d be happy to evaluate your smile and overall oral health to determine if you could be taking better care of your smile!