A great oral hygiene routine is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Following the proper plan can decrease current and future dental issues and prevent you from having to take frequent trips to the dentist… although we love catching up with our patients! According to Chris Wolberg, our dentist here at Cedarwood Dentistry, the recommended oral hygiene routine includes brushing twice a day, using a high-fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using a mouth rinse that targets any specific areas of concern.
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Recommended Oral Care Products
Toothbrush
For optimal brushing, we recommend an electric toothbrush, as they remove up to 5X more plaque compared to a manual toothbrush. According to healthliine.com, after three months of using an electric toothbrush, plaque was reduced by 21 percent and gingivitis by 11 percent. Not sure which brush to choose? Here are our top two:
- Philips Sonicare 4100 Power Toothbrush
- Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush
Toothpaste
We find people are very loyal to their toothpaste brand, whether it’s because they grew up with it or prefer the flavor and texture. That’s perfectly fine! However, you should double-check that it’s high in fluoride; if not, consider changing your loyalties. Fluoride is essential as it helps to defend your teeth against tooth decay by strengthening your enamel.
Here are some fan favorites you can buy online or in stores:
- Sensodyne Pronamel
- Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste, Complete Protection
- Crest Gum & Enamel Repair Toothpaste
Floss
As for flossing, you’ll want to choose the product that makes for the best oral hygiene experience for you. It’s imperative to develop good flossing habits, so choose the product you’re most likely to use every day. There are two types of floss, string floss and floss picks. String floss is typically more effective and is what dentists still use today. Its ability to move into different shapes allows you to get close to the gum line. However, many people find floss picks easier to use, especially for children. We also highly recommend investing in a Waterpik to get into hard-to-reach places, particularly for those with braces.
Whether you opt for string or pick, here are the two products we recommend to get the job done:
Mouth Rinse / Wash
The type of mouth rinse you use will depend on your oral health needs. If you have a high cavity risk or need to reduce plaque buildup, an anti-cavity fluoride rinse can be beneficial. If you’re looking for something that helps with bad breath, opt for an antibacterial mouthwash.
Here are some of the oral rinses we recommend for improving bad breath and other common ailments:
- SmartMouth Clinical DDS Oral Rinse
- CloSYS Sensitive Mouthwash
- TheraBreath Fresh Breath Dentist Formulated Oral Rinse
- Fresh Breath Dentist Formulated Oral Rinse
Recommended Oral Hygiene Routine
When it comes to oral hygiene, the order of your routine matters just as much as the products used. And it might be very different from what you’ve been doing thus far. Don’t worry; we’re here to set the record straight and provide an easy-to-follow daily routine.
Step One: Floss
The key is to floss first. Whether you’re using a string or pick, you’ll want to guide the floss between each tooth while using a gentle rubbing motion. Never forcefully push the floss into your gums. Once the floss is in the crevice, gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. We know it can be challenging but don’t forget the teeth in the very back of your mouth!
Step Two: Mouth Rinse
Despite misconceptions, you should actually use a mouth rinse before brushing your teeth. If you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and then use a mouth rinse, you’ll rinse away all the fluoride that’s strengthening your teeth. Remember, when using a mouth rinse, read the instructions on the label and rinse for the total amount of time, usually about 30 seconds.
Step Three: Brush
Lastly, time to brush! To start, always use a toothbrush with soft bristles paired with your high fluoride toothpaste. Use an amount of toothpaste the size of a pea. As you brush your teeth, move the toothbrush in small circular motions, making sure to cover all surfaces of your teeth and gums. To reach the back of your molars, angle the bristles towards the gum line and use gentle strokes.
It’s also important to brush for the recommended two minutes. Most electric toothbrushes now have an in-built timer. Additionally, ensure you’re brushing twice a day: once when you wake up and again before going to bed.
Happy Brushing!
Following this oral hygiene routine can help keep your teeth and gums healthy! Remember, visit your dentist regularly for a check-up and cleaning. Happy brushing!