If you pay careful attention to your oral health, you probably already have “visit the dentist near me every six months” on your to-do list. But during the current crisis, your regular practice might be closed except in cases of emergency. That doesn’t mean you have to neglect your smile, though; in fact, spending more time at home could give you an ideal opportunity to reexamine your hygiene habits and make all kinds of changes that leave you happier and healthier! Below are 3 tips a dentist in Kittanning might suggest to anyone looking to optimize their oral health at home.
1. Make Sure You’re Brushing Enough
You probably already make brushing a habit, but are you getting the most out of it? According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the average person only brushes for 45 to 70 seconds a day. In reality, you should use your toothbrush for a full two minutes per session if you want to ensure that every nook and cranny is being cleaned of bacteria and harmful debris. You might find it easier to get into this habit when you don’t have to rush out the door for work every morning. On that note, if you don’t already brush after lunch, now is a good time to try and add that task to your daily routine.
2. Set a Timer for Using Your Mouthwash
It may be tempting to spit out your mouthwash after just a few seconds of swishing it around in your mouth, but you won’t get the full effects of cavity protection if you spit it out too soon. Most products recommend that you use them for about 30 seconds to one minute at a time. A timer or another aid (such as a short video) could help give you a better since of how long the liquid should stay in your mouth.
3. Start Flossing if You Haven’t Already
While daily flossing is not nearly as widespread a habit as regular brushing is, that doesn’t make it any less important. Your toothbrush only covers so much of the exposed surface of your teeth; flossing is the most reliable way to get rid of the plaque on hiding in the small spaces in the mouth. Not everyone can use traditional string floss effectively, but you can still get the job done with a water flosser or a dental pick.
These habits are just a few examples of improvements you can make regarding your oral health; you might also make other considerations like changing your diet to include less sugar or switching to an electric toothbrush instead of using a regular one. Take a good, hard look at your personal routine and give yourself an honest assessment of what you could be doing better.
About the Author
Dr. Raymond Voller and the rest of his team at Voller Dentistry are continuing a proud tradition of brining Kittanning high quality dental care. From preventive checkups to emergency care, the treatments that Dr. Voller provides are all tailored with your health and happiness in mind. For questions about your oral hygiene habits, you can get in touch with him through his website or by calling (724) 543-4948.