Discussing and having self-care routines are very “in” these days. Do you have a morning routine? How about an evening routine that allows you to unwind and get the best sleep, waking up energized for the next day?
Well, coming from a dentist–oral care is essential in both your morning and night routines. And although we, at Seaside Dentistry in Jupiter, Florida, know that no dental care checklist is complete without biannual cleanings and a visit with your dentist–good teeth start at home.
Having and maintaining an ideal oral health routine is a crucial part of having healthy teeth and part of how we like to educate and help our patients. It’s what we call the Seaside Dentistry collaborative approach.
To help you, we have created a list of the dental care tasks you should be doing in your morning and night oral hygiene routines. Read on for a breakdown of the basic steps to clean, healthy teeth and gums.
What Does The Perfect Home Oral Care Routine Look Like?
Your home oral care routine doesn’t have to be difficult or labor intensive. It takes less than five minutes in the morning and at night to keep your dental care in great condition. Most importantly, your routines should work for you.
“Your morning or nighttime routine for taking care of your teeth shouldn’t be overwhelming,” said Dr. Ashley Pare. “If it feels that way–start by covering the basics and adding in the extra special care, one habit at a time–one month at a time, until you don’t even have to think about it–it just happens.”
Morning routine
1. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush for two minutes and make sure not to brush too hard.
2. After cleaning your teeth, scrub your tongue. Feel free to utilize your toothbrush during this step of your dental home routine. A tongue scraper also works.
3. Rinse your mouth with antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash. It doesn’t matter when you rinse your mouth, it’s just important to rinse at least once a day.
Night routine
1. Brush your teeth with the same toothbrush and toothpaste you use in the morning. Scrub the entire surface of each tooth. If you need to, split your brushing routine into quadrants so you spend an equal amount of time brushing each tooth. Make sure to brush for two minutes. Don’t forget to switch out your toothbrush at least every quarter to ensure it works its best.
2. Floss your teeth. Be careful while you floss because forcing the floss into place can damage the gums. Make sure to clean between every tooth and along the gumline. Flossing is one of our best teeth care tips at home to keep plaque away. You can use floss strands, threaders, or picks. You may also consider air, water, or wooden flossers. When it comes to flossing, it’s more about how you use it (including how often) than it is about the type of floss (though you’ll want to stick with ADA-approved brands).
Need to schedule a dental cleaning? Seaside Dentistry is conveniently located in Jupiter, Florida and serves Palm Beach County and Martin County–from Hobe Sound to Palm Beach Gardens. Schedule an appointment now. We look forward to helping you with all your dental care needs.