5 Tips for Keeping Your Mouth Healthy

With many people delaying dentist office visits due to COVID-19 social distancing concerns, at-home oral care routines are more important than ever.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health made it clear that oral health is part of overall health and well-being. The mouth is indispensable to eating, speaking and quality of life. The most prevalent oral conditions are dental caries (cavities and tooth decay) and periodontal diseases.

Fortunately, they are largely preventable with good dental hygiene.

Focus on reaching every nook and cranny, but avoid brushing too hard.

You probably already brush your teeth, hopefully using a fluoride toothpaste. It’s also important to drink water that contains fluoride. But you can take your dental hygiene routine to an even greater level of clean with these tips from Dr. Bill Dorfman, an award-winning dentist and book author.

1Use the best tools
An electric toothbrush has the power needed for optimal brushing results and has been proven to be far more effective than a manual toothbrush. Some, such as the Oral-B iO, even have advanced features, like AI recognition and micro-vibrating bristles, to help ensure you reach all areas of your mouth to provide a deeper cleaning of teeth and gums.

2Brush at least two times daily
Chasing away morning breath makes it easy for most people to remember to brush in the morning, but a nighttime brushing habit is equally as important. It dislodges food debris accumulated throughout the day and reduces bacteria buildup overnight. It’s also a good idea to brush during the day if you eat or drink acidic foods and beverages, which can be harmful to enamel.

3Be thorough, yet gentle
The outer surfaces of your teeth may be most visible when you flash a grin, but the inside and top surfaces need attention, too. While you focus on reaching every nook and cranny, avoid brushing too hard. Excess pressure can cause serious damage to your mouth and lead to gum recession. To ensure an all-around clean, brush for two full minutes, using an appropriate amount of pressure and methodically focusing on different areas of your mouth.

4Combat contamination
Store your brush away from others so you don’t share bacteria. Prevent mold and bacteria growth by air drying between uses. Inspect the bristles for breakdown, which is a signal your brush is no longer effectively cleaning and you need a replacement head or new brush.

5Floss and rub
On a daily basis, gently floss between each tooth individually and rub against each tooth at the gum line to loosen plaque and debris