Payson, UT, dentist shares the importance of good dental hygiene

Dental health begins with a consistent oral hygiene routine at home. Taking care of your teeth and gums and consuming a healthy diet can both contribute to a lifetime of having a healthy beautiful smile. At Gunnerson Dental in Payson, UT, preventive oral care is a priority of our practice, which is why we take the time to provide our patients with the education and tools needed to take care of their teeth at home.  Below are some best practices for maintaining oral health.

Brushing and Flossing

Everyone knows that we are supposed to brush our teeth at least twice each day, but not nearly as many people know that there are proper techniques to effectively remove food debris and bacteria. Here are some tips for brushing that will help you keep your teeth as clean as possible:

  • Toothbrush – electric toothbrushes are the most effective tool for cleaning your teeth, however, you can also choose a soft-bristled manual toothbrush.
  • Toothpaste – Choose one that has the American Dental Association seal of approval. Depending on your needs, you may opt for a product that is desensitizing or has whitening effectiveness.
  • Time – Make sure to spend at least two minutes brushing, when teaching children, you can tell them to sing the ABC’s in their head about three times.
  • Technique – To effectively brush all surfaces of your teeth, brush back and forth at a 45-degree angle using short strokes to reach the chewing and outer surfaces of the teeth. To reach the inner surfaces of the teeth, use an up and down motion with your toothbrush in a vertical position. And do not forget your tongue.

Flossing is one of the most overlooked steps of oral hygiene and also one of the most important. Flossing removes trapped food debris and bacteria between the teeth and around the gumlines, areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. It is best to floss at night before bed, using whichever method you prefer (floss, flossing picks, or a WaterPik)

Nutrition

Consuming a healthy diet is great for overall wellness and oral health. Choose a diet that is rich in veggies, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Try to limit or avoid acidic and sugary foods and beverages as they can increase the risk of decay. Snacking on crunchy foods such as carrots or apples can help keep teeth clean between meals.

Book your dental hygiene visit today

In addition to taking care of your teeth at home, it is also important to maintain routine dental exams and cleanings. If you live in or near the communities of Payson, Elk Ridge, Mapleton, Woodland Hills, Springville, Salem and Spanish Fork, please call (801) 658-0175 to schedule an appointment at Gunnerson Dental.