3 Ways to Improve Your Dental Hygiene At Home

Do you want cleaner teeth? Do you want to improve your oral hygiene routine to ensure that your teeth stay whiter and healthier for longer? Improving your oral hygiene at home starts by working with your dentist in St. Cloud, MN, and by making changes to your usual routines. In this article, we’ll teach you more about how you can improve the health and wellness of your teeth.

1. Take the Time to Brush

Brush your teeth for two minutes each time – no more, and no less. Brushing your teeth for longer than is necessary can do damage to your gums and may even wear away your tooth enamel over time. Brushing your teeth for less than two minutes at a time can leave plaque and buildup on your teeth. Not sure if you brush your teeth for long enough? Set a timer on your phone every time you brush.

2. Buy an Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes do a better job of cleaning teeth. They also give users the best chance of keeping their teeth for long into old age. There are many different types of electric toothbrushes on the market, so if you’re having a hard time picking one, talk to your dentist. Your dentist can give you recommendations for the best electric tooth brush that fits in your budget.

3. Floss with Traditional Floss

Traditional floss is better than flossing picks for a variety of reasons. One reason: using traditional floss on your teeth allows you to use a different section of floss for every tooth. When you’re using a flossing pick, the floss gets dirty between teeth and could potentially push food bacteria down into your gums.

Do you have a hard time flossing, or feel a lack of confidence in your ability to floss with normal flossing string properly? Have your dentist show you how.

If you’re serious about wanting to do more to maintain your dental health and wellness at home, start by getting a dental examination in St. Cloud, MN. Call Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today to make an appointment. During your appointment, we’ll discuss what you can do to improve your oral hygiene routine.

4 Dental Hygiene Tips To Protect Your Teeth and Gums

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums takes effort, but it’s worth it! As you age, if you take good care of your teeth, you can avoid painful problems like dental infections and cavities. In this article, we’ll talk about five helpful things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

1. Maintain a Consistent Tooth Brushing Routine

Brush your teeth twice each day, for two minutes each time. You can time yourself while you brush, or you can play a song that’s two minutes long. You can also brush your teeth once during the day, if you feel like you need it. Floss once daily, at the end of the day.

2. Get a Brushing Tutorial From Your Dentist

You may have been shown the proper way to brush your teeth years ago, but it’s easy to develop bad habits. If you’re missing certain parts of your mouth, or brushing too hard, you could be doing damage to your teeth. Ask your dentist to show you the best way to brush your teeth when you go in for your next dental exam in St. Cloud MN. If there’s time, have your dentist show you the best method for flossing too.

3. Know the Signs of a Problem

Learn to recognize the signs of a dental problem. Below are some symptoms to watch for:

  • Pain in the tooth
  • Swelling around the tooth
  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away when you brush your teeth
  • Sudden temperature sensitivity in a tooth
  • Stains or dark marks on your teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • A change in the way your teeth align when your mouth is closed

4. Use an Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes have many features that can help make your tooth brushing experience more productive and effective. For example, many electric toothbrushes have a timer built in that will tell you when you’ve been brushing your teeth for long enough. Some can sense how much pressure you’re putting on the brush, and can tell you if you’re pushing too hard. Ask your dentist about the best electric toothbrush for you.

Do you have more questions about how to keep your teeth healthy? See your dentist in St. Cloud MN. Call Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to make an appointment and see the dentist today.