How to Care for your Dental Health

Many of our patients have questions about how they can best maintain good oral health at home. Quite simply, it all comes down to the fundamentals. If you are experiencing frequent oral health issues, chances are good that they can be linked to poor brushing and flossing habits. We can walk through your usual oral hygiene routine and help you with any problems you may have during your normal visits.

Until then, try brushing up on these basic tips:

  1. Floss first. Flossing before brushing allows the fluoride in the toothpaste get in between the teeth better. You should be flossing at least once a day.
  2. Brush twice a day. Get into the habit of brushing your teeth once when you wake up and once before you go to bed. Your last brushing and flossing session should take place after your final meal of the day. You will want to avoid eating or drinking anything aside from water after your last brushing of the day.
  3. Brush for two minutes. Two minutes is just enough time for a thorough clean. Any more than that can damage your gums and even lead to gum recession.
  4. Avoid brushing teeth after eating. Though this may seem counterintuitive, brushing directly after you eat is not advisable. The acids in your mouth that occur when you eat are weakening your tooth enamel, and brushing can strip this enamel away. Wait a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes after you eat before brushing.
  5. Hold the brush correctly. Try to hold your brush at a 45-degree angle with your teeth, using a circular motion as you brush. Gently massage your gums as you brush.
  6. Scrape your tongue. Your tongue represents a large portion of the surface area of your mouth, and it can gather plaque just as easily as your teeth. We recommend using a tongue scraper to clean your tongue, but you can also use your toothbrush to brush your tongue.
  7. Use a good mouthwash. Follow up your flossing and brushing regimen with a high-quality, antibacterial rinse or fluoride rinse.

Book an appointment online or call our Issaquah dentist today at 425-369-9116.