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The Best Oral Hygiene Routine for Self-Care Enthusiasts

Looking for the best oral hygiene routine? We’ve got you covered.

In today’s day and age, our society is all about self-care. From hair care solutions on Tik Tok to popular skincare recommendations on YouTube, people are constantly searching for easy-to-implement routines to better themselves from the inside out.

But where’s the love for oral and teeth care?

It’s no surprise that 67% of people have tried to whiten their teeth. But a perfect, white smile starts and ends with a good oral routine. You need to make sure you’re using the right at-home products and see your dentist on an annual basis.

Thankfully, maintaining your oral hygiene is pretty simple! So today, we’re giving you the secrets on how to incorporate the best oral hygiene routine into your daily self-care ritual.

RELATED: HOW TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH PROPERLY

What is Oral Hygiene?

best-oral-hygiene-routine

A proper oral hygiene routine has the goal of preventing plaque accumulation. Many people believe that brushing their teeth each day is enough time and effort for oral hygiene.

However, even if you brushed your teeth perfectly each day, you would still eventually need to see a dentist. And you might be surprised to find that you have teeth problems (such as cavities) despite your impeccable habits.

Did you know that brushing too harshly or too frequently can actually cause more problems? Yeah, that’s a real thing. 

Toothbrushing can effectively remove plaque from the front, back, and chewing surface of your teeth. However, if you’re not using the right products or even brushing the right way, you’re going to notice issues.

If you’re wondering why you still have “sweater teeth” or someone has mentioned your smelly breath, it could simply be because you aren’t using a proper oral hygiene routine. 

So why isn’t brushing enough? Well, because there are other considerations you need to remember, such as:

  • Dental plaque accumulates between your teeth in places not accessible to toothbrush bristles.
  • You need periodic evaluation and professional cleaning of your teeth and gums. Even the best oral hygiene routine can miss removing plaque from problematic areas.
  • The foods and beverages you choose to consume can negatively affect your teeth and gums. 
  • Some habits such as grinding and clenching can damage teeth and contribute to dental disease despite your best oral hygiene homecare routine. You may need a nightguard or Invisalign to minimize the adverse effects on your oral health.

RELATED: FOOD THAT IS BAD FOR YOUR TEETH

The best oral hygiene routine keeps your teeth and gums healthy and includes:

  • Brushing at least twice daily for two minutes.
  • Using a soft-bristled toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance
  • Using an ADA-approved toothpaste.
  • Flossing at least once daily.
  • Rinsing with a fluoridated mouthwash after brushing and flossing.
  • Hydrating each day with plenty of clean water.
  • Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and professional teeth cleaning.
  • Eating a nutritious diet containing plenty of vegetables.
  • Eating a low-sugar diet.
  • Avoiding excessive consumption of acidic foods.
  • Seeing your dentist if you grind or clench your teeth.

RELATED: HOW TO GET RID OF PLAQUE BUILDUP ON TEETH

Why is Oral Hygiene Important? 

woman holding a blue toothbrush to demonstrate the best oral hygiene routine

Knowing all the reasons why oral hygiene is essential can help motivate you to care for your teeth and gums. The most apparent benefit of oral hygiene is a beautiful smile. Plus. an effective routine can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which has benefits in addition to a healthy smile, such as:

  • Fresher breath
  • Less time receiving dental treatment
  • Less money spent at the dentist
  • Preventing tooth loss

In recent years, oral hygiene has been in the spotlight because of its impact on general health. Research shows that your oral health may indicate your body’s overall health. Additionally, studies show a possible link between gum disease and several severe medical conditions. This makes using the best oral hygiene routine significantly more important than just improving your smile and having fresh breath.

 

RELATED: WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A TOOTHACHE? 

The Perfect Oral Hygiene Routine for White Teeth 

the best oral hygiene routine in 5 steps

Knowing how to have good oral hygiene is essential if you want white teeth.  The yellow discoloration of your teeth happens when you have immense or consistent plaque accumulation. Plaque also makes teeth-whitening products less effective.

So, where do you start? We’ve put together what we think is the best oral hygiene routine. If you’re looking for something that’s manageable and will make you feel good, this is exactly what you need!

Step 1: Floss First 

You may not have given much thought to the best order for flossing and brushing. But when you floss before brushing, it removes debris from between your teeth. Then, you can brush for a deeper clean.

When floss after brushing, the dental plaque stays on the tooth surface. This can discolor teeth and lead to damage to the enamel. Here’s our guide on the best flossing method

Step 2: Brush

Using the proper toothbrushing technique and products is crucial, too. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush. You also need to replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3 months. And remember: Always use ADA-approved toothpaste!

Here’s a quick how-to for teeth-brushing techniques: 

  • Align the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gum line.
  • Gently brush with a circular motion.
  • Brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
  • Brush your tongue to eliminate bacteria.

Step 3: Floss Again 

That’s right, again.

You floss the first time to get plaque and debris out of your teeth. Then you brush to completely wash it all away. The second round of flossing is going to give you that fresh, clean feeling and get rid of anything you may have missed. A Waterpik Water Flosser is an effective flosser that makes cleaning difficult-to-reach areas easier.

Bonus: The Waterpik is an ADA-approved device!

Step 4: Mouthwash 

Mouthwash can’t replace brushing and flossing. However, it can play a role in your complete oral hygiene program to help remove plaque, prevent gingivitis, freshen breath, and whiten teeth.

Again, the secret to having the best oral hygiene routine is using the right products. All you need to do is make sure your mouthwash is recommended by the American Dental Association. You can view all ADA-approved mouth rinses here.

Step 5: Teeth Whitening 

This is the big one, right? We all want white teeth without having to get professional teeth whitening from our dentists on a regular basis. 

Thankfully, today we have at-home teeth whitening products that work pretty well. However, it’s imperative that you know that DIY teeth whitening will not work if you don’t have a good tooth-care ritual.

In fact, you may need to have professional tooth whitening if your current shade is too far off. If you’re finding that none of the over-the-counter teeth whitening products are working, visit your dentist and ask what you can do to whiten your teeth. Normally, they’ll suggest an updated oral hygiene routine (like this one!). When that doesn’t work, you might want to consider professional whitening so you can start your new routine on a clean slate. 

P.S.: Here’s our guide on the best ADA-approved at-home teeth whitening kits!

Is it time for your bi-annual cleaning? Book your dentist appointment today! Lasry Dental Clinic is located in South Beverly and Wilshire between Beverly Hills and Beverlywood.

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