subject: Please Your Dentist With These Hygiene Practices [print this page] The best reason to follow good oral hygiene practices is for your own good, of course, but if you need some extra incentives, these are some things you can do that will please your dentist as well.
Brush the Right Way
You would be hard pressed to find anyone in the first world who didn't know that using a toothbrush was an essential part of an oral hygiene regimen, but you might be just as hard pressed to find someone who actually used it correctly. First of all, there is timing. It is important to brush at least twice a day-once in the morning and once at night before bed. If you can brush a third time somewhere in the day, you might as well. The morning brushing is important because plaque and bacteria has settled on your teeth while you slept. You may also need to get rid of whatever food particles are left from your breakfast. The nighttime brushing is important because your saliva dries up when you sleep. You need to make sure your teeth are clean before that happens. Next, there is the tool itself. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. Finally, brush at an angle to your gums, ensuring you get the tartar threatening your gum line.
Floss Daily
A lot of people look at using dental floss as an extra level of hygiene that only obsessives need bother with. This couldn't be less true. Floss is just as essential as brushing and for the same reasons. The fact is that brushing isn't going to do much to help you get those food particles and bacteria that get stuck between your teeth. Cavities can form there just as easily as they can form anywhere else on the tooth. Your dentist has probably recommended floss to you a dozen times; it's time to take that recommendation seriously. You can also talk to him about tricks and tips that will make flossing easier and more effective.
Mouthwash is a Great Addition
A good antiseptic mouthwash can have wonderful benefits. If you have any specific oral conditions, you can talk to your dentist about choosing a mouthwash appropriate for your circumstances. Otherwise, most of the top brands should be good for your needs. Once again, this is about getting to those places that a toothbrush can't suffice. If you are unable to brush your tongue (some people have a strong gag reflex that won't allow it), a strong mouthwash can help you in that department, removing the bacteria often responsible for bad breath.
