We all know that brushing and flossing are fundamental oral health habits. But sometimes, we let the familiarity cause us to slip into some bad routines, despite our best intentions. Luckily, it’s never too late to brush up on your brushing habits!
Speed Demon: One of the most common habits to fall into is not taking sufficient time for brushing. Brush twice a day, 2 minutes each time. If you are having trouble taking enough time on your teeth, try using a timer.
Too Soon: Don’t brush immediately after eating–particularly if you’ve had something acidic, like citrus fruit, soft drinks, or alcohol of any kind. Brushing right after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks can harm your teeth! Wait 20-30 minutes after eating to brush and floss.
Forgetting Flossing: Flossing should take 2-3 minutes per session, and is a major part of keeping the mouth clean from leftover food particles and bacteria that cause tooth decay. Make sure to clean all surfaces of the teeth. Don’t forget the back row!
Storage Wars: When you are finished brushing, make sure to store your toothbrush correctly: upright, in open air. Storing your toothbrush in closed spaces allows for faster growth of bacteria and other germs. If you must store it in closed spaces, say for traveling purposes, do so for only a short period of time.
Talk to your dentist about more healthy habits to include in your oral hygiene routine! Dr. [doctor_name] and our team here at [practice_name] in [city], [state], will be happy to help you on your way to an even healthier smile. Call us at [phone] to set an appointment today!
