Our dentist in Lincoln Park, Chicago always looks forward to October every year, as it is National Dental Hygiene Month! This is a great opportunity to celebrate the importance of taking care of your smile. Good oral health is essential to a confident, healthy smile. Refresh your approach to taking care of your teeth with the following tips.
Make the Most of Your Brushing Time
While you are already taking the time to brush your teeth, make sure that you are doing so in an effective way. You should hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line to help brush away the built-up plaque and tartar. You should move the brush back and forth in short, concise strokes, and make sure to reach all surfaces of your teeth, including the inside, chewing surfaces and outside. Finally, don’t forget to brush your tongue to help remove and bacteria on there as well, as these bacteria can contribute to bad breath.
Don’t Forget to Floss and Use Mouthwash
Your teeth themselves account for less than half of the space inside of your mouth, so solely brushing won’t be enough to see the results that you want. Flossing is a simple way to reach the built up plaque between your teeth that brushing misses.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist at least once every six months in order to evaluate your teeth and perform a standard dental cleaning. With 2020 around the corner, now is a perfect time to schedule an appointment with our qualified dentist in Lincoln Park for a smile refresh before the holidays. We look forward to seeing you in the dental chair!