5 Brushing Habits You Should Adopt

It’s important to take care of your teeth, as neglecting them can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Sadly, many Americans don’t practice good oral care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 percent of adults aged 20 to 64 experience cavities at some point in their lives.

At Smylique Dentistry, Dr. Indra Quagliata, and our experienced staff are here to provide you with a full range of cosmetic and general dentistry services. We've compiled this helpful guide to show you five brushing habits that'll keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free.

1. Brush twice a day

You may have already heard this one, but brushing your teeth twice a day is your first defense against tooth decay. And it’s pretty common to forget, especially if you have a busy schedule and you find yourself often rushing out the door or too tired to remember at night. 

You’ll want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush as a harder one can wear down the enamel on your teeth over time. Point your brush in a downward angle, and use circular motions to get every corner of your teeth. And don’t forget to brush your tongue as bacteria can build up there too.

2. Floss at least once a day

Flossing is just as important as brushing. Whereas brushing removes the particles and plaque that are on your teeth, flossing removes what sticks to your teeth in the spaces in between. Flossing also helps stimulate your gums and decrease inflammation. 

3. Use a mouth rinse 

For extra protection, you may want to add a mouth rinse to your brushing routine. A mouth rinse is not the same as an over the counter mouthwash. We can prescribe a rinse in the following three varieties: 

• Fluoride - Use this rinse to supplement with extra fluoride, which helps strengthen your tooth enamel 

• Antibacterial - Use this rinse after brushing and flossing to get any remaining bacteria you may have missed while brushing and flossing

• Pre-rinse- Use this rinse before brushing and flossing to wash away any lingering food particles

You should use these rinses at night before bed, as you shouldn’t eat or drink anything after they’ve been applied to your teeth.

4. Use the right toothpaste 

When choosing your toothpaste, you’ll first want to make sure it contains fluoride, which helps strengthen your enamel and prevent cavities. Fluoride is also great because it can reverse early signs of damage to your enamel.

You’ll also want to make sure your toothpaste has the ADA or American Dental Association’s seal of approval. This means the toothpaste has been reviewed by an independent board of dental experts for effectiveness and safety.

If you have worn enamel, you may want to use an enamel strengthening toothpaste for sensitivity. Whitening toothpaste is great for effectively whitening your teeth at home, however, you’ll want to be careful as they can wear down your enamel over time and cause sensitivity. 

5. Keep your regular dental appointments

The only way to remove tartar, plaque that hardens on your teeth, is with specialized dental tools. Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly, you still can’t clean your teeth as thoroughly as a dentist can. 

If you don’t keep your regular dental appointments, once every six months, you could be placing your teeth at serious risk of cavities and tooth decay.  

If you'd like more information or want to schedule a consultation, contact our office to request an appointment today.