Dental Hygiene Tips From Our Hygienists

Dental Hygiene Tips From Our Hygienists

Dental Hygiene Tips From Our Hygienists

Do you believe you’re on a soundtrack with your daily oral hygiene routine? Then, take it up a notch with a few simple technique tweaks. In honor of Dental Hygienist Week, our team is sharing dental hygiene tips from our amazing hygienists. 

Make Use of Proper Brushing Technique

First, our dentist office in Colorado Springs explains that there is a correct and incorrect way to brush your teeth. For a more thorough brushing, use:

  • Make use of a soft-bristled brush.
  • Brush at a 45° angle starting at your gumline.
  • Brush your teeth outside, inside, and all over your molars.
  • Make sure to clean every nook and cranny around your teeth.
  • Lastly, our dentist in Colorado Springs urges you to your teeth and tongue gently.

Brush For Two Minutes

There are numerous options available when it comes to selecting a toothbrush. As recommended, choose a brush with soft bristles and a small to medium-sized head. Our dentist near me explains that the rest is up to you!

Keep An Eye Out for the ADA Seal

Choose a toothpaste with the ADA seal and fluoride to ensure that it is safe and effective in fighting plaque and preventing tooth decay.

Floss Correctly

Flossing, like brushing, has a right and wrong way. Keep in mind to:

Allow yourself approximately 18 inches of floss.

Then, wrap the majority of it around your middle fingers, leaving 1 to 2 inches on both sides.

Tighten the floss between your thumbs and index finger. Think of it like this:  gently slide it between your teeth, using clean sections as you go from tooth to tooth.

Floss gently beneath the gum line.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash removes plaque and gingivitis, whitens teeth, and relieves dry mouth. With its antimicrobial properties and added fluoride, you’ll wonder why you didn’t incorporate it into your routine sooner!

Make Your Brush Shiny

Rinse your toothbrush and let it air dry after brushing to keep it clean. Avoid covering it or sharing it, which encourages the growth and spread of bacteria.

Replace Your Brush

Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, as well as after recovering from illness. The bristles of the most manual and electric toothbrushes have a color indicator reminder. If you’re a parent or caregiver, remember that the more frequently you change your child’s toothbrush, the more eager they’ll be to do it.

Make Use of a Tongue Scraper

A tongue scraper removes excess oral bacteria. To eliminate bacteria and freshen your breath, our dentist office CO Springs shares that you can incorporate this practice into your daily oral care routine. For added convenience, choose a toothbrush with a scraper on the back.

Get Scrubbing After Snacking

Brushing your teeth twice a day, usually after breakfast and dinner, should be second nature by now. However, if you’re going to have a late-night snack, you should also have a late-night brush. Our friend Dr. Wade, the best dentist in Pinellas Park FL, adds that this allows bacteria to fill your mouth after eating cookies and ice cream, and sleeping for 7 to 8 hours without brushing allow bacteria to fester and spread.

See Your Dentist Office in Colorado Springs

By incorporating these tips, habits, and routines, you can improve your dental hygiene from good to great. Remember to visit your dentist twice a year – you’ll be proud to show off your healthy, sparkling smile. 

Children’s Dental Health Month 2021

Children’s Dental Health Month - Colorado Springs Dentist

Children’s Dental Health Month 2021

February is Children’s Dental Health Month, and at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry we’ll be celebrating all month long! Whether you’re in Garden of the Gods, West Colorado Springs, Centennial, or Fillmore, we invite you to celebrate with our children’s dentist Colorado Springs and schedule an appointment for your little one today.

Between pediatric appointments, it’s important to keep up with your child’s oral hygiene to ensure that their mouth stays healthy and strong.  Here are a few of our best oral hygiene tips for kids to help your family avoid cavities, gum disease, and other oral health conditions:

1. Make Sure They’re Brushing Properly

Proper brushing is critical for your child’s oral health. Children typically have enough dexterity to brush their own teeth around age six. However, you should still supervise to make sure they’re brushing properly. Keep an eye out to make sure they are:

  • Holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth
  • Brushing in short, tooth-wide strokes
  • Starting with the outside of the teeth, then the inside of the teeth, and finish with the chewing surfaces
  • Brushing for at least two minutes, twice per day. The morning and evening are best.
  • Flossing once per day. You’ll have to floss for your child until they’re about 10, or are coordinated enough to do it yourself.

2. Lead By Example

The best way to get your kids to follow your oral hygiene tips is to lead by example! Make sure that you brush properly and floss once per day. When your kids see you taking care of your teeth, they’ll be more likely to do the same. And, as a bonus, if you make brushing a family activity, it will be easier to keep an eye on your kids to make sure they’re brushing the way they’re supposed to.

3. Drink More Water (And Avoid Soda And Juice)

Drinking more water will help your kids maintain a healthy mouth, particularly if it’s tap water or bottled water that includes fluoride. Water helps rinse away food debris and bacteria, and it also helps maintain a proper pH balance in the mouth says Georgetown KY dentist, Dr. Kristina Neda. Steer clear of excessive soda and juice consumption. Too much sugar and acid are one of the main reasons that children are more prone to cavities.

4. Consider Dental Sealants Or Fluoride Treatments

If your child is cavity-prone, fluoride treatments or dental sealants can help protect their smile. Fluoride treatments use a high concentration of fluoride, which Dr. Boals “paints” onto your child’s teeth. The fluoride helps remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel that has been softened due to decay.

Dental sealants can also help prevent cavities. Dr. Boals will coat your child’s rear molars with a special resin that will harden into a barrier and prevent bacteria from forming on your child’s teeth.

5. Don’t Forget About Six-Month Oral Exams And Teeth Cleanings

Come into Kissing Camels Family Dentistry every six months for an oral exam and teeth cleaning. This advice applies to parents, too! A regular oral exam and teeth cleaning is the best way to prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other complications for patients of all ages.

Schedule Your Appointment Today – Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month!

There’s no better time to schedule a preventive dentistry appointment at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry. Whether you need a pediatric appointment for your child or you’re overdue for an exam, get in touch right away! You can reach us at (719) 301-6604 for an appointment, or come by our office near Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City, and Mountain Shadows at 3470 Centennial Blvd, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, Co 80907.