As you head into a new year, now is the perfect time to commit to caring for your smile as thoroughly and effectively as you can. Our Glendale dentists are here with some tips on how you can take your oral hygiene plan to the next level. Keep reading to learn more!
The first thing to do is to call your dental office and schedule your professional dental cleanings for the year. In general, these cleanings should be completed every six months or so. Some patients, for example those who have diabetes or those who are battling periodontal disease, may need to come in more frequently for treatment. Take the time now to call your dentist and get those professional cleanings on your calendar; these appointments will help you maintain a fresh and clean smile throughout the year.
Next, take a second to assess your current daily oral hygiene routine. Are you doing everything you can to protect your smile from plaque and tartar? You probably already know that you should be brushing twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. Beyond that…
- Make sure you’re brushing for at least two minutes every time you brush
- Apply gentle pressure to your teeth and gums so as not to cause inadvertent damage
- Talk to your dentist about what type of toothbrush bristle you should use—for many people a soft bristle is appropriate, and, in fact, using a firmer bristle could be too harsh
Now is also the time to recommit to flossing every night. The best time to floss is right before you brush your teeth, so that you’re able to disrupt as much plaque and dental debris as possible.
Our Glendale dentists have all the information that you need about how to care for your smile this year. Please feel free to give us a call to schedule a consultation, or use the Contact Us page on our website to submit a question for our team.