Developing A Good Oral Care Routine

What is a proper oral hygiene routine? Besides frequent visits to your dentist, Dr. Elmer Villalon, in our Pueblo, CO, office, generally, it’s one that would give you teeth that are free from debris so that your mouth not only looks healthy but smells good as well. Your oral hygiene routine must likewise be able to keep your gums healthy so that they don’t bleed when brushing or flossing. How do you develop a proper oral hygiene routine?

Your Oral Health

Everything begins with understanding your oral health. Although the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist twice a year, only your dentist can tell you if that is enough for you. If you have special conditions that require more attention to preserve your oral health, you will need to visit your dentist in Pueblo, CO, more frequently.

Your dentist will play a huge part in developing the proper oral hygiene routine for you. For example, if you have dentures, then simple brushing and flossing may not be enough for your oral health. A proper oral hygiene routine must also be dynamic. This means that it should change together with any developments in your oral health.

The Basics of a Proper Oral Hygiene Routine

Regardless of how you and your dentist agree about it, there will always be basics that will be part of every proper oral hygiene routine, including:

1. Brushing your teeth.
   • Do it twice daily.
   • Do it for at least two minutes each time.
   • The brush should be at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
   • All surfaces of the teeth must be brushed.
2. Flossing once a day.
   • Include the teeth at the back of the mouth.
   • Use at least 18 inches of floss to wrap around your fingers.
   • Use the curve of your teeth as a guide to prevent damaging the gums.
3. Rinsing with mouthwash.
   • Use a fluoride mouthwash.
   • Take a small amount and swish it around for 30 seconds.
   • Spit it out and repeat once if necessary.
4. Cleaning your tongue.
   • When using a toothbrush, put a small amount of toothpaste and clean in circular movements.
   • With floss, gently scrape the middle portion of the tongue.
   • With a tongue scraper, use the middle part to gently scrape and clean out your tongue.
   • Rinse with mouthwash when done.

For Expert and Specific Advice on Your Oral Health, Give Us a Call

Call (719) 542-7844 to arrange an assessment with our dentist, Dr. Elmer Villalon, here in our Pueblo, CO, office.