A healthy, beautiful smile starts at home! While visiting the dentist regularly is key, there are many things you can do every day to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. At Fort Washington Dental Associates, we believe in empowering you to take back control of your oral health.
To do that, we want to share some simple tips for taking care of your smile between dental visits with us in Washington Heights. With regular brushing, flossing, and a few healthy habits, you can help prevent cavities and keep your smile feeling and looking fresh.
1. Brush for 2 minutes, twice every day.
Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the most important things you can do to protect your smile. In the morning, it helps get rid of the bacteria that build up overnight. At night, it removes food particles and plaque that have gathered throughout the day.
Here’s how to make the most of those two minutes each time you brush:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: A soft brush is gentle on your gums while still being effective at cleaning your teeth. Using a hard-bristled brush can irritate your gums and wear down enamel over time. Believe it or not, hard toothbrushes also don’t remove plaque as well as soft toothbrushes!
- Brush for a full two minutes: Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth—front, back, and chewing surfaces. Take your time and try to divide the brushing evenly between the four quadrants of your mouth (top right, top left, bottom right, bottom left).
- Focus on cleaning the gum line: Try to angle your toothbrush at about 45 degrees, aiming into the gum line. Rather than scrubbing your teeth, try to use short strokes and just brush two or three teeth at a time before moving on to the next few teeth.
- Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel and makes your teeth more resistant to cavities. Look for a toothpaste with fluoride to add an extra layer of protection against tooth decay.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months: Toothbrushes wear out over time, and frayed bristles don’t clean as well. Replace yours every three months or sooner if the bristles are looking worn out.
Brushing for two minutes, twice a day, is an easy habit that makes a big difference in keeping your mouth healthy. To get the most out of your daily brushing, you may want to consider an electric toothbrush that can break up and sweep away plaque more effectively. Our team is happy to help you find the perfect brush for your smile!
2. Clean between your teeth at least once every day.
Brushing alone can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth where food particles and plaque like to hide. It also can’t clean below the gums, where gum disease tends to start.
That’s where flossing comes in! Flossing is a great way to remove the debris and bacteria that can build up in these spaces. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Use about 18 inches of floss: Wind most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches to work with.
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth: Curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it up and down against the side of each tooth, being careful not to snap it into your gums. If you have a tight spot, you can use a gentle sawing motion to ease the floss through, and then switch to an up-and-down stroke to clean below the contact point.
- Be sure to floss below the gums: The top of the gum tissue is not attached to the tooth. By wrapping the floss in a C shape and staying snug to the side of a tooth, you can slip the floss under the gums and clean the area between the tooth and gums. Just be gentle and don’t push into the gums too hard.
- Use a clean section of floss for each tooth: This prevents spreading plaque or bacteria from one part of your mouth to another.
Flossing might seem tricky at first, but it becomes easier with practice! If you find flossing difficult due to dexterity issues or other concerns, talk to our dental team about alternatives like interdental brushes, floss picks, or water flossers. We’re happy to recommend the best tools for your specific needs.
3. Ask your dental team about the right products for your specific needs.
There are so many oral care products available, it can be hard to know which ones are right for you. Our team at Fort Washington Dental Associates can help guide you to the best options for your smile. Here are a few things to consider:
- Fluoride toothpaste: As mentioned, fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay. If you’re prone to cavities, a high-fluoride toothpaste might be recommended.
- Mouthwash: Using a mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth and freshen your breath. An antibacterial mouthwash can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with gum inflammation or frequent plaque buildup. Or, if you’re prone to tooth decay, you might be better off with a tooth-strengthening rinse.
- Specialized products: If you have sensitive teeth, inflamed gums, or are more prone to cavities, we can recommend products tailored to these issues. Don’t hesitate to ask us for suggestions during your next visit!
Choosing the right products can make a big difference in your oral health routine and help you maintain a healthy smile at home.
Questions about taking care of your teeth at home? We’re here for you!
Taking care of your teeth at home is a big part of keeping your smile healthy, but you don’t have to do it alone! At Fort Washington Dental Associates in Washington Heights, NYC, we’re here to help with personalized advice and education. Whether you have questions about your brushing technique or need a recommendation for a new product, our friendly team is always ready to support your oral health.
Keeping up with regular dental check-ups is also important, so don’t forget to schedule your next appointment. Together, we can keep your smile looking and feeling its best all year long!
