Dental hygiene is very important, not just for your beautiful smile, but also for your health. You know the basics of caring for your teeth—brush twice a day, floss, and don’t forget to clean your tongue. These tips are very important. After all, your dentist can’t do much to help you if you don’t do the bare minimum of brushing your teeth every day. However, sometimes you need to hear other dental hygiene tips to help you take better care of your teeth.
Here are five tips you may not hear frequently:
1. Change your toothbrush every 3 months. If you only change your toothbrush every 6 to 12 months because you receive a complimentary one at your checkup, it’s time to do things differently. Getting a new toothbrush every 3 months ensures that you won’t be brushing your teeth with worn-out bristles.
2. Don’t rinse immediately after brushing your teeth. When you brush your teeth, the fluoride from your toothpaste helps to prevent cavities. Rinsing right away dilutes the fluoride and makes it less effective, so wait a few minutes before rinsing your mouth if you can spare the time.
3. Use mouthwash. A lot of people think of mouthwash as a solution for bad breath, but the real reason you should use it is because it helps with your dental hygiene. It reduces gum disease, tooth decay, and plaque, and it can also help with teeth whitening.
4. Store your toothbrush out in the open. Storing your toothbrush in an enclosed place like a cabinet or toothbrush holder means it will stay wet and invite bacteria. Instead, store your toothbrush in the open where it can dry during the day.
5. Use a timer or listen to music when brushing. You know that you should brush your teeth for 2 minutes, but you may find yourself guessing at how long it has been. Using a timer or listening to a song can help you make sure you brush long enough.