Your tooth and mouth cleaning habits ensure that you have a happy, healthy smile. If you take care of your teeth, they will take care of you! Strong teeth help you chew the foods that will keep you healthy, you’ll be able to speak clearly, and you’ll look your best.

The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Make sure you replace your brush every three or four months to be sure it’s in good working condition to do the job.

Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently move your brush back and forth in tooth-wide strokes. Start with the outer surfaces, then move to the interior surfaces, and finish with the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Hold your brush up and down, vertically to clean the insides of your front teeth and use small up and down strokes.

Don’t forget to floss! Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and gumline.

How clean is your tongue?

Your tongue harbors bacteria. Some of the bacteria is good, but most of it needs to go. While you can use your toothbrush to gently brush your tongue, there are other alternatives. Opt for a tongue brush or even a tongue scraper for more thorough results. A healthy tongue is important to the overall health of your mouth and teeth!

When Dr. Blattner and Dr. Heberer see you or your children for regular cleanings and screenings, they’ll make sure that you’re armed to protect your teeth. We’re happy to demonstrate proper tooth brushing techniques to support you in prevention methods.