Are you doing the Daily 4? No, it’s not the latest recommendation for your diet or some new workout fad. It’s the simple steps you can take to improve your dental and oral health! Your dentist in Bloomfield is honoring October’s National Dental Hygiene Month by starting the conversation. So fess up — are you really brushing, flossing, rinsing, and chewing?
#1: Brush for Two Minutes, (At Least) Twice a Day
You know you should brush your teeth frequently for better dental and oral health. But are you really doing it for two minutes, twice a day? People who are at a higher risk of cavities and gum disease should brush even more often. Using a soft bristled brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste, go over each quadrant of your mouth for 30 seconds each. If you can’t seem to reach the two minute mark every single time, try setting a timer or doing a few sets of squats to make sure you brush fully.
#2: Floss Gently
Maybe it’s not an easy habit to pick up, but flossing is a crucial component of good dental health. It’s the only way to remove the food particles and plaque your toothbrush leaves behind — because no matter how well you brush, there are some areas you just can’t reach with a toothbrush alone. To floss effectively, wrap about 18 inches of dental floss around each of your middle fingers. Gently work the floss between each tooth, using a new area of floss each time to avoid redistributing bacteria.
Having trouble remembering to floss? You’re not alone. Place the packet somewhere you’re sure to see it every night, like beside your toothbrush. Tell yourself you won’t go to bed until you’ve flossed. They say it takes two weeks to start a habit — so stick with flossing for a little while and soon you’ll feel incomplete without it.
#3: Add a Mouthrinse
While it’s never an effective substitute for brushing and flossing, adding a mouthrinse to your dental hygiene routine is a wonderful way to clean your entire oral cavity. Your teeth only make up about half of your mouth, after all — so killing bacteria and preventing biofilm in these other areas is important for continued oral health. From extra whitening to cavity prevention and fluoride, mouthwash comes in a variety of formulas. Discuss with your dentist which solution may be best for your mouth.
#4: Chew Sugar Free Gum
Saliva is necessary for washing away the food particles and plaque that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Popping a piece of sugar free gum in your mouth after and in between meals and snacks stimulates saliva production by up to 10 times. Gum also neutralizes the pH level in your mouth, to protect your tooth enamel from the acids that cause cavities and infection. Stocking up on sugar free gum is a small investment that can have long-lasting positive effects on your smile health.
Questions about the Daily 4 or how you can maintain better oral health for years to come? Or maybe it’s time for a dental cleaning near Bloomfield There’s never been a better time to visit your dentist than during National Dental Hygiene Month. Contact our office to schedule an appointment today!