There’s a lot more to a sparkling smile than just flossing and brushing. Below, we’ve put together a few best practices that will help keep the teeth and gums healthy and clean always. Read on.
Wait Before Brushing
People who start their mornings with a fresh glass of orange juice will want to hold off on brushing for a while. Drinks and foods with a low pH can temporarily soften the enamel. When one brushes soon after consuming something acidic, the action could take away some enamel, making the teeth a lot more susceptible to decay. The best thing to do is to wait between 30 and 60 minutes to brush after having citrus fruits, tomatoes, wine, and soda.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
People using a hard-bristled brush should replace it with something softer. Firm- and medium-bristled brushes may leave the teeth feeling a lot cleaner and fresher, but they can be extremely abrasive and damaging over a period of time. Most people will do just fine with a soft brush. And there’s really no need to brush vigorously, either. It’s not great for the gums or the teeth. Instead, using a slight bit of pressure, tilt the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, and brush in circular motions.
Use Mouthwash
Brushing twice a day and flossing are not enough. It’s important to also rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash afterward. Mouthwashes can help kill more bacteria in the mouth, lessening plaque. So, after brushing and flossing, make sure to swish some mouthwash vigorously for at least 30 seconds twice daily. Another great option is to chew sugar-free gum, which can lower the amount of bacteria in the mouth and stimulate saliva flow.
Don’t Brush Too Often
In the past, dentists used to recommend that we brush after every single meal. But that’s not a good idea because brushing too often can damage the enamel on the teeth and the gums. Given this, dentists now recommend brushing only twice a day. If one is in the habit of snacking between meals, just make sure to rinse the mouth with plain water.