Good oral health care is about more than routine visits to your dentist. The care you may receive at Family Dentistry of Royal Oak is just one side of the dental care coin; your at-home brushing and flossing routine is the other side.
Without diligent cleaning, your teeth would be in extreme danger because the food that nourishes you also feeds plaque-causing bacteria that cause tooth decay. However, with a few simple techniques, you can ensure excellent tooth health between your dental visits in Royal Oak, MI.
Tooth Brushing and Flossing Are Essential
Your personal tooth care routine rests on two things: brushing and flossing. Most dentists agree that you should brush your teeth at least twice per day but suggest that you may brush as often as after each meal, when you get up, and especially when you go to bed. This is because while you sleep, bacteria have free rein of your mouth for hours, causing unchecked damage that may lead to future dental problems.
Along with brushing, you should also floss daily to clean the spaces between your teeth. These areas are impossible for your toothbrush to reach, but floss fits and helps remove food debris that gets stuck there.
We Encourage You to Sample Various Flossing Tools
The type of floss used traditionally dates to the 1800s. Not much has changed except that it's now primarily nylon thread and may be waxed or unwaxed. However, many people struggle with traditional floss, and if that describes you, you'll be glad to hear about other flossing methods:
- Flossers – These are small plastic picks with a short length of floss fixed between two points. Many people find these easier to maneuver in the back parts of your mouth.
- Interdental cleaners – Resembling the standard toothpick but with tiny barbs protruding from the sides, this option is easy to use but may not be as effective as thread-based floss.
- Water flossers – Also known as water picks, these devices use a high-pressure jet of water to clean between teeth. These work, especially for people with braces who can't use traditional floss, but water flossers don't travel well.
Regardless of the flossing method you choose, most dental professionals agree that it's essential just to get it done. Therefore, we recommend you find what works for you and stick with it.
We Help Improve Your Home Dental Care Routine
At Family Dentistry of Royal Oak, our mission is to provide you with the right skills and services to ensure a lifetime of gorgeous smiles. So if you want to learn more about how we can advise you on your home-care routine, don't hesitate to call our family dental office today.