Are your at-home brushing and flossing habits really as good as you thought they were?
Caring for your smile doesn’t really have to be that challenging, and yet everything from forgetting to brush before bedtime to indulging in a lot of sweets can leave you dealing with a host of problems. At Pearl Dental Associates in Nashua, NH, your dentist, Dr. Farshad Pezeshki, wants to prevent these issues from happening to you, and the best way to prevent these problems is by practicing good oral hygiene.
You can maintain good oral health by improving your brushing and flossing habits, and by eating healthier. Let’s break down these three habits a bit further:
Brushing Properly
This is a habit we all perform every day, so we all think we know how to do it properly; however, there are certain techniques that you may not be performing well. Up your brushing game by following these tips:
- Angle your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gums
- Be gentle when brushing your teeth, as being too rough can wear away enamel
- Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head once bristles look frayed and worn
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste
- Brush for at least two minutes each time
- Make sure to brush twice a day, typically in the morning and again before bedtime
- Brush the tongue, the roof of your mouth, and cheeks
Floss Daily
Maybe you floss every once in a while, but you don’t keep up with the habit as often as you should. Flossing every day is the best way to prevent plaque from hardening into tartar between teeth and along the gums, which can lead to cavities and gum disease which need to be treated at our Nashua office.
While brushing is great for removing bacteria, food, and plaque from the front and back surfaces of your teeth, flossing is key to effectively cleaning between teeth.
Improve Your Diet
If your diet is full of starches, sugars, and processed foods, this can greatly increase your risk for cavities.
By eating a healthy diet, you can promote a healthier smile. Foods such as nuts, cheese, lean protein (e.g. fish and chicken), vegetables, and fruit are all good for your teeth and gums. Avoid sodas, fruit juices, and sports drinks, and limit alcohol consumption.
Prioritize Your Oral Health
If you have questions about how to care for your smile or you need to schedule a routine cleaning with our dentist, then call Pearl Dental Associates in Nashua, NH, at (603) 833-6010.
