5 Tips Good Oral Heath

Oh the things we do to keep our beautiful smiles bright and healthy. But are the things we're doing really helping? And is there anything we could be doing better? Well, yes.. There is! Here are a few things to help you amp up your oral care regimen, and some tips to keeping your smile healthy!

-There is a RIGHT way to brush! Your toothbrush should be at a 45 degree angle so it's pointing slightly up to the gum line. Gentle pressure with back and forth and side to side motions focusing on each individual tooth as well as the gums. Brushing should last a minimum of two minutes!

-Most dentists prefer electric toothbrushes to the standard ones. They believe that electric toothbrushes can prevent you from brushing too hard causing damage to the enamel of your teeth. They also believe electric toothbrushes are more thorough. Electric toothbrushes can go as fast as 40,000 strokes per second, which is physically impossible for a human to do.

-It doesn't matter which type of floss you purchase, as long as you are actually FLOSSING! Satin, waxed... It matters not. Your dentist will be happy enough knowing you actually do it. Also, they like to you floss twice a day, not just once. But, if you believe once a day is enough, make sure you do it at night before bed. Dentists say this is the best time because sleeping with food particles in your mouth allows plaque to build more rapidly and the decay process to advance more quickly.

Just brushing and flossing is not going to kill foul breath! Invest in a tongue scraper and use it every time you brush! This literally scrapes all the bad-breath-causing bacteria and build up from your tongue. Good bye morning breath!

Going Whiter? Do It Safely! Dentists prefer, in particular, Crest White Strips to the do-it-yourself at home gel kits. Crest White Strips are pre-measured and safe and they deliver the peroxide evenly. The gel kits also work but the results are commonly uneven and it can irritate your gums (unless you get a custom kit from your dentist). Also, getting a laser whitening treatment from a spa inside the mall is NOT the safest option. Unless you can determine that the person administering the procedure is a licensed dental professional, this would not be a safe idea. An untrained person can cause serious damage by simply not know what they are doing as well as by using products that have not yet been proven to be safe or effective.