Our tips for improving dental hygiene

6 simple tips to improve our dental hygiene

1. Brushing teeth: It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean your teeth and gums.
2. Dental floss: Use dental floss or a water flosser to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth. Do it once a day, preferably before brushing your teeth.
3. Using mouthwash: Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Use a mouthwash recommended by your dentist.
4. Avoid sugary and acidic foods: Foods high in sugar and acid can damage your tooth enamel. Try to limit your consumption of these foods and drink plenty of water.
5. Visit your dentist regularly: It is recommended to see a dentist every six months for a routine dental check-up and professional cleaning.
6. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco: Tobacco can cause dental and oral health problems. If you smoke or chew tobacco, try to quit.

By following these tips, you can improve your dental hygiene and reduce the risks of dental issues such as cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis.

Brush your teeth 3 times a day or more

Dentists recommend brushing after each meal to prevent plaque buildup, where bacteria thrive and promote cavities or gum inflammation. Indeed, plaque can re-form within a few hours, which highlights the importance of brushing your teeth at least twice a day. It is not always easy to adhere to brushing three times a day in daily life. For effective brushing, it should last 2 minutes. 

Why is the electric toothbrush favored by dentists?

Due to its rotational speed and shape, the electric toothbrush provides a real improvement in brushing effectiveness. Many dentists advise their patients to switch from manual to electric brushing.

Using an electric toothbrush has several advantages:

Cleaning efficiency: Electric toothbrushes often clean teeth and gums better due to their rotary or oscillating movements, which can reduce plaque buildup and the risk of periodontal disease.

Ease of use: They require less effort than a manual toothbrush. The automatic movements help ensure that you brush your teeth properly and evenly.

Built-in timer: Many electric toothbrushes have a timer that reminds you to brush for at least two minutes, the duration recommended by dentists.

Pressure reduction: They may have pressure sensors that alert you if you brush too hard, which can prevent wear on your teeth and gums.

Motivation: For some, using an electric toothbrush can make brushing more engaging and enjoyable, encouraging a better oral hygiene routine.

In summary, an electric toothbrush can improve the effectiveness and ease of brushing, thereby contributing to better oral health.

Dental floss, mouthwash to complement brushing

Using dental floss, interdental brushes, or mouthwash also helps eliminate plaque on the sides of the teeth that may be inaccessible with your regular toothbrush.

Thus, dental floss helps eliminate plaque and debris located between the teeth, thereby preventing cavities that can form between them. Similarly, regular use prevents gum inflammation and periodontal diseases.

As for mouthwash, its antiseptic qualities help reduce bacteria in the mouth, thereby preventing gum disease. A notable point is that it helps improve breath by neutralizing odors.

Using dental floss and mouthwash together strengthens oral hygiene. Dental floss targets hard-to-reach areas, while mouthwash works throughout the entire oral cavity. Together, they help reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and keep breath fresh.

How to properly use dental floss?

Take about 45 cm of dental floss and wrap it around your two index fingers, leaving about 5 cm of floss free. Then gently insert the dental floss between your teeth using your thumbs and index fingers. When you reach the gum line, form a C with the dental floss by wrapping it around the tooth and gently sliding it under the gum line. Repeat this process for each interdental space using a clean section of dental floss for each space.

It is important to regularly use dental floss to remove plaque and food debris that accumulate between the teeth and cannot be reached with a toothbrush. If you have difficulty using dental floss or if you experience gum bleeding, talk to your dentist.

See your dentist at least once a year

An annual exam by your dentist is essential to anticipate and detect any dental problems. Indeed, a cavity treated at the very beginning of its development will be much easier for your dentist to handle and also much less expensive in terms of care than having to root canal a tooth or place a crown. Furthermore, in addition to being a caregiver, the dentist also has a counseling role. Thus, the dentist is your best ally in preserving your teeth, so don't hesitate to ask him questions.