There is no better resource when looking for dental tips and tricks than to ask your dental hygienist. This person spends more time with you than the dentist in most cases and will gladly help you in your pursuit of a happy and healthy smile. While brushing your teeth is a no-brainer, sadly, 23% of Americans only brush their teeth a few times every week. While this statistic makes us feel ill, we are happy to address the best tips for dental health from a dental hygienist.
Schedule Your Yearly Dental Visits
Perhaps the most essential part of your dental routine is scheduling and going to your yearly dental appointments. Every mouth has different dental needs, but for most people, we recommend seeing a dentist for a cleaning, exam, and set of x-rays at least twice per year. At your first visit, your dentist can help you decide if you may need more frequent cleanings or exams. It also gives your hygienist a chance to look at your brushing method and give you ideas and tips for better brushing habits. Most hygienists will demonstrate the best technique.
We would be happy to schedule you for an appointment at Mountain Shadows Dental, and right now, new patients can get an initial exam, x-rays, and cleaning for only $59. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Annual visits allow your dentist the ability to diagnose and treat any issues that could turn more serious over time.
Maintain a Good Dental Routine at Home
Going to a dentist twice every year is not all you have to do for a perfect smile. You also must maintain a dental routine at home. While some may seem pretty basic, these tips are highly recommended by dental hygienists.
- Brushing. Dentists recommend brushing twice every day for two minutes. Start at a 45-degree angle at the gum line and brush every tooth, front and back, gently.
- Tools. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and opt for fluoride toothpaste. You can get a list of recommended ADA products here.
- No Sugar. Eliminate sugar and processed foods from your diet and drink your weight (in ounces) in water every day.
- Healthy Diet. Eat foods high in Calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D. These nutrients help strengthen teeth and keep your mouth healthy. If you have trouble adding these to your diet, a good supplement will also assist in this goal.
Whether you came to this blog and found tips you have never heard before (we hope that is not the case) or you found this to be a refreshing and informative motivator to maintain good dental habits, we sincerely hope these best tips from our dental hygienist will help you make the best decisions regarding your teeth, mouth, and overall oral health.