It’s important when seeking advice from your dentist when it comes to health issues and dental hygiene tips. Here at Harwood Dental Care in Bolton, we want to help you keep the best dental hygiene habits at home, so we’ve compiled these top tips for you below.

Correct tooth brushing techniques

Although it may be hard to believe, but there is in fact a fine art to teeth cleaning that can very easily mastered by all. One of rules are to not brush too hard, because brushing your teeth harder simply does not make them cleaner. This kind of aggressive friction can irritate your gums and make them bleed, especially if you’re already a little sensitive, so make sure you’re not pressing too hard. Start with your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use short back and forth strokes to scrub away at your teeth carefully. Rotate the brush round to the backs for your teeth as well, as this is often a neglected area and where plaque and tarter will readily build up.

Brushing habits

So, there are three main brushing habits to master: when to brush, how long for, and when to replace your toothbrush. As for when to brush, you of course need to do so twice a day; once in the morning, and once before bed. At these times, you should be brushing your teeth for at least 2 minutes to make sure you’re spending the right amount of time on your teeth. An easy way to do this is to play a song or podcast while you brush, and once you notice a minute has passed then switch the other row of teeth. Also, you should replace your toothbrush around 3-4 months to keep effective cleaning, or sooner if you notice the bristles are beginning to fray and turn outwards.

Flossing and mouthwash

These are two very commonly neglected steps to dental hygiene routines that, when utilised, could really transform your dental health at home. Flossing is just as important and brushing as it removes food debris and plaques from between your teeth, a place where brushing simply can’t reach. Flossing once a day can help minimise your risks of developing any forms of gum disease, so your dentist would recommend flossing. Using helpful dental liquids like an antiseptic mouthwash also aids these efforts, as the swilling and rinsing motion could exfoliate the teeth surfaces and knock any residual debris from tooth crevices.

Visit your dentist and dental hygienist

We wouldn’t be doing our job as a dentist if we didn’t remind to visit your dentist and dental hygienist at least 2-3 times a year. Your dentist can assist you to identify problem areas in your teeth, such as cavities and decay, and your dental hygienist can work with you to better your gum health and perform professional cleanings. Both are dental professionals that are there to help you maintain the best oral hygiene, so its important you utilise their services and ensure to refrain from waiting for something to go wrong before acting upon the problem.

If you’re currently looking for a reliable and welcoming dentist in Bolton, then look no further than Harwood Dental Care. Get in touch today to begin your hygiene journey today.

You can also read one of our other blogs about the causes and prevention tips for bad breath.