Looking for dental hygiene tips? We've got you covered. Check out our helpful article for seven practical tips to apply to your dental hygiene routine.

1. Use the Right Tools

When it comes to proper teeth cleaning, the right tools will make the process easier. Regardless of whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, make sure you use one with soft bristles. This puts less stress on your gums. 

Next, you may want to invest in a tongue scraper as well. The tongue is an often-ignored part of the mouth, and brushing or scraping can help remove bacteria and freshen your breath. 



You'll also want to invest in some dental floss. We recommend waxed dental floss as it glides in-between your teeth easier. You can also invest in a water pick if you need help getting into the habit of cleaning between your teeth. 

2. Use the Right Technique

Make sure you're angling your brush at a 45-degree angle towards your gums as your brush. This ensures that you're getting all the nooks and crannies. Use small, short motions or small circles.

You'll also want to make sure to brush the back of your teeth as well as the front and the bite surfaces. You can turn your brush vertically and brush with the tip of the brush in order to reach those areas.



Lastly, you'll also want to refrain from rinsing your mouth out when you're done brushing. Leaving the toothpaste on your teeth when you're done helps the fluoride do its work on your teeth properly. 

3. Spend Enough Time

When you're brushing your teeth, you want to make sure to spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth, or 30 seconds for each quadrant of your mouth. This will ensure that you're spending enough time brushing away the plaque and food that has built up on your teeth throughout the day. 



The ADA also recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day–in the morning and the night. 

4. Floss Properly

Flossing is one of the hardest steps to fit into your dental hygiene routine, but it's also one of the most important steps to keeping your teeth clean. Learning how to floss properly can make the process easier–boosting the likelihood that you'll floss your teeth at least once a day! 

With at least 18 inches of floss, wind one to two inches around both of your middle fingers. Holding one side tight between your thumb and index finger, slide it gently between your teeth. You'll want the floss to "hug" each side of your teeth in order to ensure you're scraping away all the food and plaque buildup. 

Make sure you're using a clean section of your floss each time you switch to a different area to floss. 

5. Take Care of Your Toothbrush

Whether you're using an electric or manual brush, make sure you're keeping it clean. All you need to do is rinse it off thoroughly once you're done using it and let it air dry. Covering up your toothbrush means that it won't be allowed to air dry quickly, meaning that bacteria is more prone to breed and spread.



You'll also want to replace your toothbrush or your electric toothbrush head every three to four months. 

6. Limit Tobacco and Coffee

Not only can tobacco and coffee cause surface stains on your teeth that may be hard to get rid of without professional whitening, but the acid in coffee can also lead to tooth decay if you're not brushing your teeth. This means that more invasive forms of cosmetic dentistry may be necessary in order to improve your smile. 



It's far easier to have clean teeth if you limit your coffee intake and work on cutting tobacco out from your life completely. 

7. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Last but not least, you'll want to schedule regular checkups with your dentist–even if you have a well-established dental hygiene routine.

This is because your dentist will be able to identify problems with your teeth before they require invasive procedures, such as dental implants, root canals, and crowns. 



They'll also be able to remove built-up plaque that toothbrushes aren't able to get as well as give you tips on how to improve your routine. 

Dental Hygiene 101: Create Routine

If you think you'll have trouble adopting these dental hygiene tips to your daily life, remember that it's all about creating routines. By following a routine every morning and night, you'll soon that you'll flow from one step to another.

For instance, if you know that you're too tired to floss your teeth in the evening, try to fit it into your routine in the morning instead. You may also find that listening to a podcast or listening to a playlist while you brush your teeth makes the routine easier.

If you stick with it, you'll find that over time it becomes easier–your body will naturally go through the motions without having to think about your next step.



Of course, visiting a dentist in 22320 should always be your priority, especially if you haven't visited in more than a year. Request an appointment with us today and regain control over your dental health!