With about 50% of adults struggling with gum disease and more than 90% of Americans having at least one cavity by their 21st birthday, it’s safe to say that a good dental care regimen is more important than ever. If you have begun to complete yours on autopilot, then read on to learn five oral hygiene practices you should never skip.
1. Brushing Your Teeth for a Full Two Minutes
The products you use and how frequently you brush your teeth matter, but so does timing. Studies have shown that the average person brushes for just 45-70 seconds, which is about half of the recommended time. So, if you are distracted while completing your oral hygiene regimen, there is a good chance that you aren’t brushing your teeth for the full two minutes. Fortunately, fixing this mistake is as easy as using the timer on your phone or buying a toothbrush with a built-in timer!
2. Flossing Daily
Flossing is another essential step that patients often aren’t consistent with or forego entirely. However, it’s important to remember that brushing only cleans about 60% of the surface of your teeth; you need to floss to remove food particles, plaque, and debris from the other 40%. If you have had a hard time finding the motivation to floss, try incorporating an oral irrigator or another flossing tool designed to make it easier.
3. Visiting Your Dentist Every Six Months
Some patients are under the impression that their biannual checkups and cleanings are optional. That’s far from the case. These periodic visits allow your dental team to catch oral health problems in the early stages while also screening for oral cancer. Plus, they use special tools during the cleaning to effectively remove built-up plaque and tartar (something your standard toothbrush and floss cannot do).
4. Cleaning Your Tongue
Remember, your tongue takes up a large amount of real estate in your mouth. If you don’t clean it, then you can experience numerous issues, from a white film covering the surface to persistent bad breath. Don’t worry – effectively cleaning it doesn’t require anything complicated. You can buy a tongue scraper or simply use your toothbrush to clean it from back to front!
5. Limiting Your Intake of Added Sugar
Unfortunately, sugar is one of the biggest culprits of cavities. If you consume it in excess, then you may develop tooth decay even with a solid oral hygiene regimen in place. So, do your best to limit your intake of foods and beverages that are loaded with sugar.
About the Doctor
After majoring in Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Dr. Toufeek Dabah obtained his dental doctorate at Midwestern University in Downers Grove. Since then, he has spent his days doing what he loves most: providing patients in and around Schaumburg with the personalized and top-tier dentistry they deserve. If it’s been more than six months since your last visit or you would like to schedule your first checkup, then visit our website or call (847) 882-8387.