We all think we have a good handle on oral hygiene—brush twice a day, right? But maintaining oral health is more complicated than most people think. In addition to seeing your dentist at least twice a year (or more often if necessary), there are lots of things to consider when tending to your oral health. Keep reading for expert tips on the basics you think you know!

First Things First: Flossing!

This might surprise you, but flossing should actually come first in your oral hygiene routine. Floss is much better at getting to those hard-to-reach places between your teeth than your toothbrush, meaning flossing first can get all of the larger stuck pieces out of the way. 

The perfect analogy for this? Sweeping your floors before you mop! You can get any food particles out of their hiding places, sweep them away, and then go in for a more thorough cleaning. Be sure that you’re flossing before you brush every evening. As long as you wait to floss and brush until you’re done eating for the day, flossing isn’t as important in the morning. 

Brushing Effectively

When you brush after flossing, you can focus on giving all of your teeth a thorough scrub instead of focusing on stuck-in food! Make sure you aren’t scrubbing too hard as this could damage your gum line. Move in soft, circular motions—making sure to get every side of each tooth as well as the ones all the way in the back. 

If you’re looking to go the extra mile for your oral hygiene, consider soaking your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide for a few seconds before brushing! It’s no surprise that bacteria love to hang out on your toothbrush, so make sure you’re cleaning it from time to time and replacing it every few months. 

Finish with Mouthwash

Enamel remineralizing mouthwash is the perfect way to top off your oral hygiene routine, and it’s sure to leave your mouth feeling as clean and fresh as possible! In addition to fresh breath, mouthwash can also strengthen your teeth and help prevent cavities. 

For the most effective results, rinse with mouthwash after brushing for 30 to 60 seconds. If you really want to maximize its benefits, don’t drink or eat anything for half an hour after rinsing!

Your Oral Hygiene Matters

While the perfect oral hygiene routine is fairly technical and should take more time than most people realize, any steps you take toward making it a priority is a win! Just a few more seconds a day can make a big impact on your oral health—which also has a huge effect on your overall health too. If you’ve been putting off your biannual dentist visit, now’s the time to make it a priority. Get in touch with LeCroy Dental today to schedule an appointment! We offer a wide range of dental services, a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, and we guarantee you’ll leave feeling healthy and fresh.