Four Quick Ways to Improve Your Dental Hygiene Before Seeing a Dentist
If you are looking for a dentist, odds are good that you’re very attentive to your dental health. You probably brush your teeth regularly, perhaps even twice a day and after every meal. But how confident are you that you brush “correctly” every single time?Many people become concerned about their teeth when they notice that there is still an unclean, “sticky” feeling on the surface of their teeth after brushing. They might increase the amount of time they spend brushing, but the feeling does not go away.
If you have this common problem, look at these four ways to improve your brushing.
1) Replace Your Toothbrush
If you have been using your toothbrush for a long time, you might be used to idiosyncrasies that are making it hard to brush your teeth. For example, your toothbrush should be the right size for your mouth, and you shouldn’t have to strain to fit it. The grip should be comfortable.
2) Replace Your Bristles
Even if it isn’t quite time to bid farewell to your brush, your bristles are probably due for replacement. Bristles should be soft so that they do not agitate your gums. When bristles are too hard, you could suffer from bleeding of the gums and other symptoms.
3) Brush Often and Brush Long Enough
Brush at least twice a day. For best results, go for three times a day. Many people brush once in the morning, once before bed, and once after a meal. Each brushing session should last between two to three minutes. Brushing longer to “make up” for missed brushings may not help.
4) Don’t Brush Too Much
Too much brushing can damage your enamel and makes it more likely that your gums will be harmed. Although you could brush as much as five times in a day if you brush following meals, it is important that you always brush gently. There is no need to strain or brush excessively long.
If you don’t feel that your mouth is as clean as it could be, start by looking at your tooth brushing patterns and these four considerations. If you notice that you have any brushing habits you’d like to change, resolve to do things differently for a week – then see what happens.
If changing your brushing style doesn’t help, you may have concerns that should be diagnosed by a dentist. Our office is always glad to welcome new patients or see return visitors for a quick check-up! If you’re seeking a dentist in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, or Westlake Village, we look forward to meeting you.