5 tips to elevate your teeth cleaning routine at home

Shine Dental Arts is proud to create an inviting experience for our patients at our Ahwatukee office in Phoenix, Arizona. We aim for our patients to feel encouraged, inspired, empowered, and excited about improving their overall health and well-being by protecting and restoring the health of their teeth, gums, and mouth. Maintaining and sustaining oral health requires routine visits to our office for exams performed by Drs. Vanessa L. Quihuis and Anthony F.R. Quihuis.

During these visits, one of our talented dental hygienists will gently and thoroughly perform a teeth cleaning. Professional cleaning or prophylaxis removes dangerous substances like tartar that cannot be removed with standard oral care products. The cleaning is also an opportunity for our hygienists to provide you with good recommendations for home care. The following five recommendations are good for all our patients to remember, regardless of their current oral health status and risk factors for dental disease.

No. 1: Use the right toothbrush.

A soft-bristled brush is generally recommended. It should be the proper size for your mouth. Consider a kid-sized toothbrush if you are an adult with a small mouth. This can help you to better clean hard-to-reach areas, such as the premolars and molars, toward the back of your mouth.

No. 2: Consider an electric toothbrush.

These brushes have never been more affordable and can be a good investment in your smile. The oscillating motion of the brush helps to rid your teeth and soft tissues (gums) of plaque. By managing this bacterial film, it does not have an opportunity to build up and form stubborn tartar or calculus. These substances contribute to progressive tooth decay and gum disease, the leading causes of tooth loss. Many of our patients also like how these brushes feel. Any time we can make the teeth cleaning experience more positive and comfortable, the more likely you will be to keep up with this healthy habit.

No. 3: Do not cut corners.

Take your time. Set a timer on your phone for two minutes, two times each day, if that helps to ensure you are diligent and do not rush through the process. The brush must make contact with all sides and surfaces of your teeth. Your teeth are not the only parts of your mouth that harbor harmful bacteria. Be sure to also clean the tongue, gumline, roof of your mouth, and other areas that attract bacteria.

No. 4: Replace your toothbrush or brush head as needed.

A good rule of thumb is to replace the toothbrush or brush head at least every four months. It should be replaced sooner if the bristles appear frayed or worn. If you find that bristles fray excessively and quickly, this could be a sign that you are brushing too hard. Think in terms of a gentle touch to avoid potentially damaging the protective enamel of your teeth.

No. 5: Floss at least once a day.

You may be among those patients who would never think of skipping their twice-daily brushing routine yet fail to floss every day. No worries! There is no time like now to incorporate healthy flossing into your routine. This habit helps to catch the one-third of each tooth’s surface that your toothbrush misses. It eliminates what cannot be removed through even the most careful and thorough brushing. We are happy to provide samples and advice on products to effectively and easily floss tight or hard-to-reach spaces, such as underneath a dental bridge. You may benefit from products like floss threaders or interdental picks that resemble tiny brushes.

Keeping up with these five oral care tips at home and maintaining dental checkups/professional cleanings at Shine Dental Arts is your answer to a healthy, beautiful smile and to supporting your overall health and well-being. The teeth are responsible for many essential functions affecting your day-to-day life and health. Likewise, oral disease has been implicated in the development or worsening of conditions ranging from heart disease to diabetes. Do yourself a world of good – contact our Ahwatukee office in Phoenix, Arizona, at (480) 893-3072 to schedule your appointment today!

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