Should You Put More Time Into Your Oral Hygiene Routine?

While some days can inevitably be busier than others, the time and energy you put into caring for your smile should be consistent. Oral bacteria accumulate and multiply in our mouths every day. If you are not doing enough to keep your teeth cleaned on a regular basis, those bacteria can cause problems like tartar formation, tooth decay, and periodontal problems. One important thing to remember when it comes to preventing dental problems is that a good brushing routine can depend on thoroughness. It should take you at least two minutes to fully clean your smile whenever you brush. Attempting to make the process faster by brushing more aggressively can be ineffective, and it can actually lead to excess wear and tear on your enamel. In addition to providing routine reviews and cleanings during a dental checkup, our West Allis, WI dentist’s office can offer tips to make your brushing and flossing efforts more effective.

How Long Should It Take You To Brush Your Teeth?

If you want to make sure you clean every part of your smile, spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth. In that time, focus less on brushing aggressively and more on reaching and cleaning even the most difficult to reach spaces of your smile. Doing so will help you stay safe against cavities and gum disease. It will also make you less susceptible to tartar accumulation. Those two-minute sessions should happen at least twice a day in order to effectively stay on top of problems with the buildup of bacteria and food particles.

Make Sure You Floss On A Daily Basis

While a thorough brushing routine helps you fight to protect your smile, you can still be vulnerable to issues that require restorative dental work if you do not floss. By flossing, you clear away the harmful microbes and food particles that are present between your teeth. The portions of your teeth that line up next to each other can be hard to clean with the bristles of your toothbrush, but their care can still be important to your well-being. In order to clear away microbes that threaten to infect your gum tissues, the floss string should be moved all the way down to the base of your teeth.

Other Tips To Help You Avoid Dental Problems

If you drink water with meals and snacks, you can have an easier time washing away food particles that might otherwise cling to your teeth and provide a steady food source for bacteria. Water is also beneficial because many other popular beverages like soft drinks and juice are high in sugar. When it comes to what you eat, make an effort to stick with nutritious, low-sugar items if you want to maintain a healthy smile.

Your West Allis, WI Dentist Can Help You Maintain Healthy Teeth

At our West Allis, WI dentist’s office, we are proud to provide consistent care to our patients. This is in addition to a range of services that can help you deal with any active oral health or cosmetic concerns. For more information, call Stubbs Family Dentistry at 414-541-8250.