Our Saint Paul Dentist Shares Tips For Upgrading Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

Written by Drs. Mark and Rachel Malterud on Feb 20, 2021

No one knows your smile better than you do. Because you care for your smile every single day, you have an opportunity to optimize your oral hygiene routine for the health and appearance of your smile. Keep reading to learn some more about simple steps you can take to improve your dental routine…

Buy The Right Brush 

The heart of an effective at-home dental routine is brushing both morning and night. However, it is important to choose the right type of brush with which to floss. Toothbrush bristles are made in various levels of firmness –from extra soft to extra firm. For most people, a soft-bristle brush is effective, while still being gentle.

Plan Ahead 

The mineralization and hardness of your dental enamel varies throughout the day. For example, your teeth become temporarily de-mineralized and weaker after exposure to acidic foods or beverages. Our team recommends that patients to brush for 20 to 30 minutes after acid exposure.

Refresh Regularly

Dental plaque, which contains bacteria, is continually building up in your mouth. Boost your oral health by being just as constant about clearing away bacteria. Try to get into the routine of rinsing your mouth with water as the day goes on. It’s especially beneficial to rinse after you meals and snacks.

Upgrade Your Flossing Routine 

Take the time to choose a type of floss that works for you, specifically. The primary thing to consider is whether the floss you are using is thick enough to dislodge plaque while being thin enough to fit between all of your teeth. You should be able to move your length of floss up and down from the top of the crown into the gum tissue.

As you can see, many of these recommendations can be implemented right away. So, try making some small changes to your daily dental routine, and watch your smile transform! Remember, you can always call our Saint Paul dentists to learn more or to schedule a personal consultation with our team.