We all want that coveted sparkling clean smile with gleaming white teeth. So how do we get it? There are plenty of products that promise “five-minute whitening” or a quick, easy fix for stained teeth. Is this the best course of action for your pearly whites? Let’s check with the experts at Parkcrest Dental Group to find out.
The Three Main Factors
There are three main factors to a healthy, clean mouth. Flossing, brushing, and rinsing routine is what it takes to get the coveted pearly whites that everyone is after. It’s important to consider what will make your teeth beautiful but healthy as well. This is why the experts recommend a three-step routine with all of these factored in.
Step 1: Flossing
Contrary to popular belief, the first step in your routine should be flossing. Many people think this should come after brushing. While it’s great to brush and floss at all, the most effective way to clean your teeth is in this order. Flossing first helps to break up plaque and build up between your teeth, so you can remove it when you go in with a toothbrush. Sounds great, right? Now you need to know how to floss effectively. Begin by holding the floss between your thumb and index fingers, and move it back and forth between each tooth. Be sure to move the floss and clean each tooth with a new section. Not only does the floss weaken after use, but reusing the same section can result in simply moving bacteria from one place to the next.
Step 2: Brushing
The second step in your routine should be brushing. While most of us have been doing this our whole lives, it’s essential to check our habits every so often to ensure we’re on the right track. To brush your teeth effectively, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently move the brush back and forth. The strokes should be short, about the width of each tooth. Dentists recommend circular motions to ensure every angle is effectively scrubbed. Make sure to get all exposed surfaces: the front, bottom, and sides of the tooth. It’s vital to balance consistent brushing without overdoing it. A healthy brushing routine is two minutes long, twice daily. Exceeding two minutes can lead to your tooth enamel wearing down as well as damaging your gums.
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Step 3: Rinsing
After brushing, it’s time to rinse. What is rinsing? Exactly as it sounds. Swishing water around your mouth to remove any excess toothpaste.
However, if you plan to use a mouthwash or mouthrinse, you don’t want to do this immediately after brushing. Doing so will wash away the fluoride, or the active ingredient, off of your teeth. For maximum effectiveness, wait 30 minutes after brushing to rinse your mouth to use mouthwash. Don’t consume any food or water in the meantime.
If you follow these steps, not only are you well on your way to a beautiful smile, but your dentist will love it when you come in for your regular check-up. Bonus, your wallet will love you too. Dental work can get costly if you don’t take care of your teeth.
Visit Your Dentist at Parkcrest Dental Group
Brushing your teeth should occur after meals and before bed. When brushing isn’t an option, swish and rinse your mouth with water. As always, be sure and get regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months. Contact Parkcrest Dental Group online or call (417) 887-1220 to make an appointment.
