Glendale Dental Office Gives Tips for Keeping a Healthy, Clean Smile with Home Dental Hygiene

Written by Dr. McKay on Aug 28, 2012

Sometimes all it takes to take your smile to the next level is a few tweaks in your daily dental hygiene routine. Many patients get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing everyday without ever really considering if they could change their routine at all. Today I’m going to share some tips from our Glendale dental office—these tips can help you keep your teeth cleaner and brighter between dental cleanings.

As a concerned dental patient, you’re probably already brushing your teeth twice a day—once when you wake up and once before you go to bed. If you’re struggling to minimize dental plaque throughout the day, you can also brush your teeth a third time after a midday meal.

Along with brushing, make sure that you’re flossing everyday. Flossing is critical for keeping plaque under control between teeth and in the hard to reach places that brushing can miss. Flossing is often overlooked, but patients who floss regularly are less likely to suffer from dental decay and gum disease.

It’s also important to pay attention to the tools you’re using to clean your teeth. Your toothbrush actually becomes less effective as it ages and the bristles fray. Make sure to switch your brush out every two to three months in order to keep your bristles effective and your toothbrush clean. Make sure not to use tools like toothbrushes and metal instruments to clean your teeth during the day. These tools can damage enamel and aggravate gum tissue. If you find that your teeth are not feeling clean and debris-free during the day, you can brush in the middle of the day, floss, or use an antimicrobial rinse.

Keep these dental hygiene tips in mind as you go through your daily brushing and flossing routine. Keeping your teeth clean between dental appointments can make a huge difference in the health and the appearance of your teeth. As always our Glendale dental office is here to answer any questions you may have—just give us a call!