While brushing is a huge part of your oral hygiene routine, there are a couple of other closely related practices that you can use for a great smile: flossing, and chewing sugar-free gum.
Flossing should be done once a day. Use a single-filament thread, when possible, to avoid fraying and shredding of the floss. It is best if you use an 18” piece of floss, as this allows you to use a new section of thread for each tooth. This avoids cross-contamination within the mouth. Floss all the way around each tooth–including behind the back molars! If flossing is difficult for you, talk with Dr. Alexis Mai about flossing alternatives. Such interdental cleaning alternatives could include water flossers, pre-strung flossers, or floss for sensitive gums.
After eating your teeth are more sensitive to abrasion. This is especially true after eating or drinking acidic foods. It is best to wait a while before brushing, as both toothpaste and the act of brushing itself are abrasive to teeth. However, it is also best to clear the food particles and debris away from the teeth as soon as possible. To accommodate both requirements, try chewing a piece of sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating. The gum stimulates saliva flow, which in turn cleans your mouth. Saliva is your body’s first defense against cavities. This is a great way to clean your mouth, especially after eating.
For more information, feel free to call Elite Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Cincinnati, Ohio at 513-771-5212. Our team is here to help you, and we look forward to talking with you!