Do You Have Good Oral Hygiene Habits?

Oral hygiene is as important as bathing regularly and taking in vitamins and minerals. However, many people don't know that their oral hygiene routine may not be enough to keep decay from forming. Dr. Yati Yadav, of Your Family Dentist in Peoria, AZ has the information about oral hygiene that you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.

Brushing

Most people know brushing their teeth at least twice daily is the standard recommendation. But not brushing long enough or with the proper brush or toothpaste may have a negative effect on your smile. Your Peoria dentist suggests brushing for at least two minutes each time. To make it more simple, think of your mouth like a quadrant - upper right, lower right, lower left and upper left - and spend 30 seconds in each area. Brushing while listening to music or watching TV may also help the time go more quickly. 

Also, make sure that you're using the right tools. Dr. Yadav can help you determine if your toothbrush is the right size for your mouth. The bristles should be firm, but soft - overly-stiff bristles can damage your gums and enamel. As for your toothpaste, regular fluoride-based is best. If you need to maintain a whitened smile, switch between the whitening toothpaste and regular toothpaste occasionally to avoid too much exposure to the abrasive whitening particles.

Flossing

This imperative part of oral hygiene is often overlooked. Flossing fights unseen decay by breaking up food debris from between the teeth where toothbrushes can't reach. To help make it part of your daily routine, your dentist suggests using floss picks because they are convenient to use. You can take along a handful to store in your car, a purse or pocket, and can easily floss whenever you have a few moments in the day.

If you'd like more tips about oral hygiene, Your Family Dentist in Peoria, AZ and serving Glendale, AZ, would be happy to discuss them with you. Give us a call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Yadav today!