You care for your teeth in some way every day, or at least we hope you do. However, it is important to perform a self-check of your dental care habits on a periodic basis to make sure you are giving your smile all it needs for optimal health and beauty. You may be engaging in some harmful dental habits without even knowing it or mistakenly neglecting a certain area of your oral health. To start the new year off right, ask yourself the following questions about your oral hygiene habits:
Do you brush twice a day, for two minutes each session? While many of us are diligent about brushing upon waking and before going to bed, do you meet the two-minute recommendation in duration? If needed, set a timer on your smartphone and see where you measure up.
Are you changing your toothbrush every 3 months? Time can slip away from us, especially when it comes to replacing our dental hygiene tools. If your bristles look frayed, it’s time to get a new toothbrush. In general, try to put a new brush on your shopping list every few months, or with the change of the seasons. This ensures you are using a more sterile and effective tool to clean your pearly whites.
Are you brushing too soon? Timing typically doesn’t matter when brushing your teeth, except when you do it after eating or drinking something acidic. If you’ve just finished your coffee or a glass of orange juice, it is better to wait an hour before brushing your teeth, as it can be too abrasive for your tooth enamel.
Are you flossing daily? This is a dreaded question for many patients. However, by neglecting to floss, you are missing up to 35% of your tooth surface – areas where your toothbrush simply cannot reach.
Do your gums bleed? Are you routinely seeing pink in the sink when you brush or floss your teeth? Bleeding gums can be the first sign of gingivitis, or early gum disease. Never ignore red, puffy or bleeding gums, as this may mean you need to come in for a professional dental cleaning or change your oral health care habits at home.
How did you do? At Salt Run Dental, we challenge you to make some improvements in your dental care habits this year. You’ll gain a brighter and healthier smile in return. Start by scheduling your routine dental cleaning – call us today!
Salt Run Family Dentistry
St. Augustine, FL 32080
(904) 924-3540