Yes please share your oral hygiene tips!
Antiseptic mouthwash = gum inflammation
Fluoride mouthwash = anti cavity
Find an alcohol free, non acidic mouthwash to avoid weakening enamel
Fresh breath/cosmetic mouthwash = after meals
Ingredients like chlorhexidine in mouthwashes can cause staining — there are effective non staining alternatives
Mechanical brushes are more effective than manual brushes, but only if used correctly — they are supposed to do 99% of the work for you
To use mechanical brushes correctly, turn them on and gently move them along the teeth in each quadrant. Each quadrant should take 30 seconds: 10 seconds on the back of the tooth, 10 seconds on the front, 10 seconds on the chewing surface (2 minutes total when you’re done with all 4 quadrants)
Or just follow the directions on the specific brand you’re using
Brush should be angled at a 45 degree angle / touching the gumline
String floss is non negotiable, so learn how to do it right — C shape that hugs each side of the tooth, up and down 2-3 times (don’t see saw it — watch a video for demonstration)
String floss is more effective than toothpick floss. Toothpick floss can cause gum trauma
It’s ok if your gums bleed when you first start flossing — they will stop when you get consistent with it
Tip: disclosing tablets stain plaque and show you what spots you’re missing/need to focus on
Use interdental/proxy brushes for gaps in between teeth or if you have braces
Don’t open your mouth wide to get to the molars / back teeth — just open mouth slightly, less resistance from lips & you can reach the back teeth easier that way
Water floss is helpful & I think it’s a valuable part of oral care!
Buy a water floss with a dial
To use a water floss correctly, aim at gumline (45 degree angle), close mouth, and guide water floss along the gumline (1-2 seconds between each pocket)
Helpful tip — if first time, feel along the gumline first to see what it’s like. If you’re focused on what you’re doing and you have your mouth open, that will cause a mess. You want your mouth closed and for the excess water from your mouth to be dripping into the sink
Tongue scraper is worth it — lots of bacteria/gunk gathers on tongue
If you have gag reflex/small jaw, just do progressive overload — starting at the front and making your way to the back slowly
Weird tip but smiling can actually help lower your gag reflex
GENERALLY (not always): antiseptic before brushing, fluoride mouthwash after (if you don’t like the feeling of fluoride on your teeth after brushing)
But there’s a higher concentration of fluoride on toothpaste vs mouthwash, so if you’re okay with spitting and not rinsing that’s usually effective too
Since you can’t eat/drink for 30 mins after fluoride mouthwash, ideal time is to do it at bedtime (so it can look like fluoride mouthwash in the PM, antiseptic mouthwash in the AM)
DON’T mix the mouthwashes
Drinking a lot of water helps bc the water we drink is fluoridated and protects against cavities
Xylitol-containing gum helps with dry mouth and gives fresh breath (which is why I’m partial to it)
Optional, but if u wanna be extra fancy/preventative w it: xylitol lozenges overnight also help stimulate saliva & protect against harmful bacteria. Just a passive thing u can do :)
Check in with your dentist always!!!!!!
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