Our Guide to a Perfect Daily Dental Routine
What is a perfect dental routine?
A perfect dental routine involves using proper tools (toothbrush, water flosser, floss, and/or other interdental aid tools) and techniques to clean all surfaces of the teeth, as well as the gums and tongue, based on your unique oral condition.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the perfect dental daily routine for optimal oral health.
At Avalon Family DentistryThis link leads to Home page, we understand the importance of maintaining excellent dental hygiene to prevent common issues such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
With our expert guidance, you can establish a daily routine that ensures a bright, confident smile and promotes overall well-being.
Evening routine: preparing for a restful night
Evening routine should be everyone’s focus to ensure good oral health. We usually sleep 6-8 hours every night, so caring for your teeth and gums before bedtime ensures they are clean at least 6-8hrs per day.
Flossing
Start with flossing between your teeth to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush may have missed. Glide the floss gently between each tooth, forming a “C” shape to reach beneath the gumline.
Water Flosser
Some people like to start with a water flosser before thread floss, and this is totally a personal preference.
Start with filling up the water reservoir with lukewarm water.
Adjust the pressure setting to medium-high (around 7-8/10) unless this is your first time using a water flosser (in that case, start with a lower setting so you can get used to it first).
Glide the tip along your gumline and pause briefly between teeth to let the water clean the area. Move from the back to the front teeth, covering the outer and inner surfaces.
Direct the water stream between your teeth to dislodge food particles and plaque. Make sure to clean both the upper and lower teeth.
Tongue cleaning
Don’t forget to clean your tongue using a tongue scraper or your toothbrush’s backside. This helps remove bacteria and prevent bad breath.
Nighttime mouthwash
Use an alcohol-free mouthwash before bed. Alcohol can dry out your mouth, leading to bad breath and an increased risk of cavities.
Brushing technique
Contrary to common belief, brushing should always be the last step in the oral care routine.
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including front, back, and chewing surfaces.
Follow a clockwise direction so as not to skip any surface.
The goal is to massage your gum and teeth, not scrub them with all your strength!
Nightguard
If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), consider wearing a nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep. This prevents wear and tear on your enamel and reduces the risk of dental damage.
Midday maintenance: keeping your smile fresh
Snack smart
Choose tooth-friendly snacks such as fruits, vegetables, and cheese. Avoid sugary and sticky foods that can cling to your teeth and promote decay. Also, avoid crunchy, hard snacks that can crack your teeth.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. This helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids that can harm your teeth.
Dental chewing gum
Consider chewing sugar-free gum with Xylitol after meals. This stimulates saliva production, which neutralizes acids and helps remineralize tooth enamel.
Morning: Setting the tone for the day
Do you clean your teeth and gums before or after having breakfast? Just consider this: If you clean your teeth first, then have breakfast or coffee with sugar 10 minutes later, your teeth are actually cleaned for only 10 minutes.
Pick two to three steps from the evening routine to apply to the morning routine. You can either floss brush, water-flosser floss brush, or water-flosser mouth rinse brush. Believe it or not, you have more flexibility in the morning if your evening routine is solid.
Professional care: visiting your dentist regularly
Routine checkups
Depending on your oral condition, schedule three- to six-month dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist. These appointments allow your dentist to detect and address oral health issues early, from cavities to oral cancer.
Professional cleanings
During your dental visits, your dental provider will perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing may have missed.
This helps maintain the health of your gums and elevate your whole body’s wellness.
Customized care
Your dental provider can provide personalized recommendations and treatments tailored to your dental needs.
Whether you require restorative procedures, cosmetic enhancements, or preventive care, they will work with you to achieve your desired outcomes.
A lifetime of healthy smiles
By following our comprehensive guide to a perfect daily dental routine, you can maintain optimal oral health and enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.
Brush and floss diligently, visit your dentist regularly, and prioritize good oral hygiene habits every day. Remember to do it with intention, not only to check off the task list.
With dedication and proper care, you can preserve the health and beauty of your smile for years.
Take the first step toward a brighter smile. Contact us now to learn more about our dental services!
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- Call us at: 253-941-6365
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