Everyone wants pearly white teeth and a healthy mouth, but very few are aware of the correct way to brush or floss. We know that regular brushing, flossing and dentist visits are an integral part of good dental hygiene, but what are other lesser-known ways to improve oral health?
Change your toothbrush to improve dental hygiene
It’s important to change your toothbrush every three to four months, or when the bristles begin to fray. If bristles start to fray under the three month mark, however, it may indicate that you are brushing too hard.
Brush for an adequate amount of time to improve dental hygiene
The more you brush, the better your dental hygiene will be, right? That’s not always true; you should brush your teeth for two to three minutes, with equal exposure over all surfaces of your teeth – top, back and front. Brushing longer than this may erode tooth enamel, causing misaligned teeth or receding gum lines.
Brush at the correct angle to improve dental hygiene
Brushing horizontally across the gum line may seem like proper dental hygiene, but it can actually cause abrasions on the teeth. Instead, place bristles at a 45-degree angle, and brush up and down with small, circular strokes. Your brush should also be angled vertically to clean the surfaces in between your teeth.
Do you want great dental services at discount prices to keep your mouth happy and healthy? Signup for EDP Dental Plan today. Enrollment can be completed online using our registration form or by calling a service representative at (631) 272-5230.
