Everyone knows that they should brush their teeth to prevent cavities, but many people are surprised when they go to the dentist and discover they have cavities. Dr. Cannon and the team at Cannon Dental in Salt Lake City, UT can help you maintain great dental health with teeth hygiene tips to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Proper brushing and flossing technique
Studies have demonstrated that electric toothbrushes offer the best protection against plaque. Some of them are even equipped with timers to ensure you use them long enough to remove oral bacteria. However, a soft-bristled toothbrush can also provide good results. When brushing, you should make slow, circular strokes across all surfaces of your teeth to avoid damaging the enamel. Spend at least two minutes brushing and try to give equal attention to each part of your mouth, as well as your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and cheeks. It’s best to brush at least twice a day.
Any flossing is better than no flossing, but most dentists agree that standard dental floss gets the best results. The primary purpose of flossing is to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Make sure the floss goes all the way to your gums so you can clean the part of your tooth covered by your gums and form a C shape in each direction. Work slowly to avoid bruising or cutting your gums. You should floss at least once a day, right before your brush.
Happy teeth habits
There are other ways to reduce your risk of cavities. Reducing your alcohol, tobacco, and sugar intake will keep your teeth stronger and attract fewer bacteria. You should be mindful of how often you snack each day. The more time you spend eating, even if it’s just little bits of food, the more opportunities bacteria will have to feed.
No matter how well you brush and floss, you need to maintain regular check-ups at the dentist. Dental hygienists have the tools and training to remove tartar build-up safely and can polish your teeth to make it harder for bacteria to stick. During your exam, Dr. Cannon can point out areas that you’re missing in your home routine. Contact our office in Salt Lake City, UT, today at (801) 406-9985 to set up an appointment and learn more about how we can help.
