Building Lifelong Healthy Habits
At Smiles 4 Keeps, we recognize the significance of instilling healthy habits early on, not just for children but for adults too. We’re dedicated to preparing you for a lifetime of oral wellness and helping you grow into health-conscious individual who prioritize their smiles.
Our team offers the guidance, treatments, and advice needed to cultivate enduring habits, all while ensuring that every visit to the dentist is a compassionate and enjoyable experience.
Essential Dental Basics
Flossing, brushing, and rinsing are the fundamental cornerstones of a healthy smile. Approximately 80% of dental issues manifest between the teeth and beneath the gum line, areas that regular brushing alone can’t reach, making flossing indispensable.
We understand that even most adults may not be fond of flossing, but we cannot emphasize its importance enough. You’d be amazed at the amount of food debris and bacteria that accumulate between teeth. Here are some fundamental guidelines for maintaining a healthy smile:
- Floss between every tooth.
- Brush teeth twice daily.
- Steer clear of soda, sugary juices, or sticky snacks (brush promptly after consuming them)
- Consider dental sealants to prevent tooth decay.
- Rinse with water after every meal.
- Visit a Smile Center twice a year!
Flossing Techniques
Cleaning between teeth and beneath the gum line is vital for oral health. Here’s a quick guide on how to floss effectively for you:
- Use floss holders or cut 24-30 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving 2 inches of floss to work with.
- Gently guide the floss between each tooth using your thumb and index finger.
- Form the floss into a C shape around each tooth and below the gumline.
- Carefully move the floss up and down to clean each side of the tooth.
Brushing Techniques
Proper brushing technique is often underestimated. Using small, circular motions is key to ensuring clean teeth. Additionally, don’t forget to replace your soft-bristled toothbrush regularly. Here’s how to brush effectively:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft bristle brush and fluoride-based toothpaste.
- Employ small circular motions.
- Brush every part of the tooth, including the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
- Use the brush’s tip to clean the inside of the front teeth.
- Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to eliminate bacteria.
Rinsing Tips
Rinsing plays a vital role in maintaining oral health, yet it’s often overlooked. It helps prevent cavities, eliminate bacteria, and keep your breath fresh. Besides rinsing after brushing, you should also rinse your mouth after meals if you can’t brush right away. This quick rinse helps remove surface bacteria from your teeth, preventing them from infiltrating any crevices and grooves on your tooth surfaces.
Remember to rinse your mouth with water:
- After brushing your teeth
- After each meal if you can’t brush immediately.