Two dental checkups every year, one every six months – you probably learned at an early age that that’s the best way to keep your smile clean and cavity-free. As such, it’s natural to be concerned when you don’t know for sure when your next dental appointment will be. Due to health concerns involving COVID-19, your dentist in Granby is likely only accepting emergency appointments right now. If you want to keep your teeth and gums free of decay and disease until your next appointment, follow these 5 tips for a thorough clean.
1. Change Your Brushing Technique
First of all, you need to make sure you’re spending enough time cleaning your teeth during each brushing session. It’s generally recommended to brush for at least two minutes at a time while paying attention to all the surfaces of the teeth; this includes the inner, outer, and chewing sides. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use short back and forth strokes.
2. Pick the Right Kind of Toothbrush
Each person’s mouth is unique. When choosing a toothbrush, consider the size of the head and the bristles. They should be small enough to clean the crevices in your molars, which is where food debris is often caught. Your individual needs may vary, but a small or medium-sized toothbrush is usually the best choice for adults.
3. Floss Properly
When you use dental floss, you should take a piece that’s up to 18 inches in length; that way, you can clean the various nooks and crannies in your mouth with a different section so that you don’t reinsert any bacteria or debris that you’ve already removed. The flossing motion should create a “C” shape where each end of the string is wrapped around each tooth.
4. Use Mouthwash
While brushing and flossing are indispensable parts of your oral hygiene routine, you could still overlook a few spots in your mouth. Using mouthwash is often the best way to get rid of any remaining debris that could cause gingivitis (which at some point might develop into a more severe kind of gum disease).
5. Don’t Forget to Change Your Brush
You can’t keep using the same toothbrush forever; the bristles will start to fray and won’t clean as well anymore. Make sure you have plenty of brushes in your bathroom cabinet so that you can switch to a new one every three or four months.
These are hardly the only steps you can take. There are other ways to protect your teeth until you can see your family dentist in Granby again. Take the initiative while you’re at home, and your smile will stay safe and sound until the time comes for your next checkup!
About the Author
Dr. Kenneth Endres has spent nearly 40 years practicing dentistry, and he has always made it a point to go above and beyond his patients’ expectations during even the most complex treatment plans. He completed a General Practice Residency when serving in the Air Force; today he focuses on providing personalized treatments and high-quality care for Granby residents. To get in touch with his practice, Salmon Brook Dental, visit his website or call (860) 653-4551.