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Rockwall Oral Surgery

So What is the Best Dental Hygiene Routine?

If you peruse social media or read magazines, you’ve probably seen some famous movie stars talk about their skincare routine and why it’s the best routine to follow. Well, we’re here to talk about the best dental hygiene routine. Your teeth require just as much time and attention as your skin!

Most of us understand that good oral hygiene helps to prevent cavities but it also helps prevent bigger issues like infections, tooth decay, gum diseases, and more. You have to remember that your mouth is the entry point to some major parts of your body like your digestive and respiratory tracts. A buildup of bad bacteria in your mouth could affect the rest of your body. 

Your dental routine should look a little like this:

  • Brush your teeth

Brush your teeth for at least 120 seconds, spending an equal amount of time in each area of your mouth. If you feel like you’re rushing this process or not brushing long enough, try setting a timer on your phone or listening to your favorite song. Try to develop somewhat of a pattern like inside top, inside bottom, outside bottom, outside top, tongue, etc. The order itself doesn’t matter as much as spending the same amount of time on each area. 

  • Floss your teeth

While brushing is important, you should focus on cleaning all of the nooks and crannies that hide in your mouth. The hard-to-reach places in-between your teeth can be a breeding ground for bacteria because food particles can get stuck and are often unreached by a toothbrush. You shouldn’t feel the need to “snap” the floss between your teeth. You should simply guide the floss along between your teeth with a gentle rubbing motion, slowly forming a C shape until it glides down between your teeth

  • Use Mouthwash

When selecting your mouthwash, ensure you pick an alcohol-free mouthwash! After brushing your teeth and flossing your teeth, you should rinse your mouth for 60 seconds frequently switching between swirling it around and gurgling the mouthwash. 

You should be completing this routine twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. We know there are a lot of options when it comes to selecting the right toothpaste, choosing between dental floss or a water pick, and selecting the right mouthwash. If you’re not sure what the right fit for you is, give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to set up a consultation and talk through your options. Call Dr. Pollock of Rockwall Oral Surgeons today at (469) 264-8921 for more information or to schedule an appointment.