With students headed back to school, now is the perfect time to establish healthy habits into a family’s daily routine. If brushing and flossing habits have faded throughout the summer, the structure of a school routine may be just the thing to help build back the habit of taking care of your teeth.
While everyone knows the basics and the importance of dental health, some people may have trouble being consistent in their brushing and flossing. In addition to brushing teeth twice a day, patients should be sure to take their time to do a thorough job. Each brushing session should last about two minutes, but brushing harder does not mean brushing better. The ideal way to brush teeth is to hold the toothbrush at a slight angle and use short, light back-and-forth motions.
Changing out a toothbrush every three to four months is another key to having healthy teeth. If it’s been awhile since you’ve bought a toothbrush, the start of the school year is a good time to get everyone in the family new toothbrushes as well. Rinse out your toothbrush after each use and store it upright to allow it to air-dry to reduce germs.
Flossing every day is another important habit to embrace in order to have a healthy smile. Flossing reduces the likelihood of gingivitis by reducing plaque buildup and strengthening gums. It only takes a minute or two a day and is very inexpensive – making it a worthwhile habit to prevent tooth decay.
The Apple Valley dentists at Dakota Dental specialize in educating their patients about preventive dental care and giving practical advice about good oral health. As everyone gets back into the swing of the school routine, now is an ideal time to put these basics into practice and schedule your next dental appointment.