It’s 6am. Your alarm goes off and you fly out of bed. You quickly get ready for work, grab your coffee and protein bar, and out the door you go. But was there something you forgot?
You bet there was…you forgot about your teeth!
As hygienists, there are two very important things that our patients forget the most: brushing twice a day, and flossing. A great dental routine in the morning can set the tone for your entire day. You don’t really want to be known as the person with bad breath in your office.
It’s simple- once your routine is established, it becomes…well, routine. Brushing your teeth in the morning, whether it be with a manual or electric toothbrush, removes the plaque and bacteria that collected in the mouth overnight, thereby improving not only your breath, but the health of your gums. Likewise, before your head hits the pillow for the night, removing that same bacteria via brushing, flossing, AND using mouthwash will help protect your mouth from cavities and other oral issues while you’re sleeping.
When selecting your toothpaste, be sure to choose one that contains fluoride. This is an important natural mineral that will strengthen the enamel (or the outer layer) of the teeth and make them more resistant to tooth decay. The same goes for the mouthwash you select. Key aspects to look for in a mouthwash are that it contains fluoride, does NOT contain alcohol, and is a flavor that you like (this should hopefully entice you to continue to use it).
It really is easy, and smart, to establish the best routine for your oral health that you possibly can to avoid issues like loose teeth, yellow teeth, bad breath, or cavities. Brushing your teeth EVERY day, TWICE a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash daily are the keys to keeping your smile healthy. Of course, your hygienist will likely thank you if you go above & beyond those guidelines.
So go, be brave, and have the best smile you can!
