Every time you brush your teeth, you protect your smile by removing food debris and oral bacteria. While it might be hard to find someone who lacks an oral hygiene routine, many people have developed habits that can stop them from enjoying truly effective smile care. If you have struggled with tooth decay in the past, or just want to make sure your smile remains in good shape, take time to look for improvements in your routine. Our Austin, TX dentist’s office is proud to provide important preventive dental services, as well as restorative dental work when it is required. Between your trips to the dentist, make sure you are doing what you can to keep your teeth and gums in great health!
1. Time Yourself The Next Time You Brush
Set the timer on your phone for two minutes, and make sure you use all of that time on brushing your teeth. If this feels like an unusually long time, your current routine may not be as thorough as you think. By spending at least two minutes on this task, you can give yourself time to reach and thoroughly clean every area of your smile. Making this change can ensure you do not need a dental filling placed in a harder-to-reach area in the future.
2. Make Sure You Regularly Replace Toothbrushes
After three months, your toothbrush should be replaced. If you hold onto the same brush for too long, its effectiveness can be hindered because the bristles will have worn down. It should be noted that if you can see a change in their condition before you reach the three month mark, an early replacement is recommended.
3. Avoid Brushing Too Forcefully
There are several issues that can lead to dental wear and tear. Bruxism, a habit of teeth grinding, can wear on your enamel. Acidic foods and drinks can also hurt because they soften teeth, making them less secure. What might surprise you is that brushing too aggressively can lead to erosion, weakening your teeth and making you more vulnerable to cavities. Instead of trying to brush aggressively, focus on being thorough and reaching every area of your smile in order to best fight plaque and tartar buildup.
Austin General Dentistry Provides Quality Oral Health Services To The Austin Community
At Austin General Dentistry in Austin, TX, we are proud to serve families in and around the area by offering a range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services. One way we can help is by talking to patients about their oral health routines and making recommendations for potential improvements. With better habits at home, you can have an easier time avoiding problems like tooth decay and gum disease! Our Austin, TX dentist’s office can be reached at 512-346-5540.
