Most people have been told throughout the years how important it is to maintain a solid oral health routine. However, if you’ve never asked your dentist what this should entail, you might not be sure where to start. Luckily, the following tips will help you create the optimal routine to ensure clean teeth and a healthy smile.

What Your Oral Hygiene Routine Should Include

1. Brush

Brushing prevents bacteria and plaque from building up on the teeth after eating and drinking. Forgoing this step can put you at risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.

Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, with each session lasting two minutes each. Divide those two minutes into 30-second quarters, focusing each period on a different section of the mouth. Brush both side-to-side and up-and-down for full coverage.

2.  Floss

Toothbrushes effectively clean your enamel, but you also need to consider the spaces between each tooth. If left unaddressed, plaque can build up in these crevices, increasing the chances of developing gum disease.

When flossing, use a C-shape motion to hook around, down, and up each side of the tooth. This step is particularly important after eating to ensure food particles aren’t lodged between teeth. 

3. Rinse With Mouthwash  

Use the cap of the bottle to measure out the recommended portion of the cleaning substance. After pouring the liquid in your mouth, swish it around the front, back, and sides for at least 30 seconds.

Then, gargle for 10 seconds before spitting it out. Not only will this kill any residual bacteria, but it will also keep your breath smelling fresh.

If you need help building a solid foundation for your oral health, talk to the dentists at The Montana Center for Laser Dentistry PLLC in Whitefish and Kalispell, MT. With a broad range of dental care services and a team of reputable professionals, they have everything needed to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Visit their website to learn more about what they do. Call (406) 862-1010 for their Whitefish location or (406) 730-1010 for Kalispell.