Good oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, visiting your dentist regularly, and taking care of your teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene in Midland TX practices prevent tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and other dental issues. Here are a few habits that can help you maintain good oral hygiene. Proper Brushing Technique When brushing your teeth, it’s important to do it properly to ensure that it’s effective and does not harm your teeth and gums. First, use a soft-bristled toothbrush that can reach all areas of your mouth without being too large to fit into tight spaces like between teeth or around the gums and back teeth. Brush with gentle circular motions and spend at least two minutes doing so. Make sure to brush along the surface of every tooth as well as along the gumline. Then, brush your tongue to freshen your breath as well. It’s important not to forget about cleaning your tongue! Every time you brush, you should make sure that you are reaching all surfaces of your teeth. Additionally, be sure to change your toothbrush regularly. The American Dental Association states that you should replace your toothbrush every three months in order to keep bacteria from building up on it. When you brush your teeth with a toothbrush that has old bristles, you may not be getting rid of all the plaque and bacteria on your teeth. Plus, you risk damaging your gums by using the same toothbrush for too long of a period. Flossing Daily Daily flossing is optimal for good oral health, but we understand it’s not always easy! Here are a few tips to help make flossing part of your routine at home:

• Keep floss handy for times when you can’t get to a sink to brush and floss. It’s ideal to have flossers or disposable toothbrushes with you wherever you go.
• Take a few minutes each day to thoroughly floss your teeth. While doing so, use clean floss between each tooth one by one. This only takes about two minutes.
• Consider using a water flosser to get in between teeth more easily. These are available in most drugstores.
• If your children are having difficulty properly flossing, consider having them watch you as you floss to show them how it’s done. This can also help them see the importance of good oral hygiene.If you or anyone in your family has difficulty flossing due to physical limitations or other issues, speak with your dentist to discuss alternative methods of maintaining your oral hygiene. They may recommend other alternatives.

Using Mouthwash In order to keep your smile healthy, it’s essential to use mouthwash every day. This can keep your mouth clean and help fight bad bacteria that can form on the teeth and cause decay and gum disease. It’s important to choose the right type of mouthwash for your needs. For instance, if you have plaque buildup or cavities, look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride. This will help strengthen your teeth and prevent stains from forming on your smile. It’s also important to rinse with mouthwash for at least thirty seconds each time you use it. Be sure to swish the mouthwash around in your mouth in order to ensure that all areas of your smile are receiving the benefits of your mouthwash. If you use an over-the-counter mouthwash, be sure to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the label. This will ensure that the product has been evaluated and proven to provide effective results based on its claims. Keeping up with your oral health at home by using mouthwash will help ensure that you keep a healthy smile for a lifetime. If you aren’t sure which type of mouthwash is right for you, talk to your dentist about the best options in mouthwashes for your specific needs. Call our office today to learn more! A proper oral health routine starts with brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. You should also floss each day to remove food particles and plaque that your toothbrush cannot remove. See your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup, and if you’re due for your checkup and cleaning, call our office to schedule your appointment.