What does a proper dental care routine look like? The following guide outlines the most important elements of at-home and professional care step by step.
The Basics of Home Dental Care
A daily routine is the cornerstone of long-term healthy teeth and gums. It consists of three main components: brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash when needed.1. The Art of Proper BrushingMany people make the mistake of brushing too hard or for too short a time. The correct technique is as follows:
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- Frequency and Duration: Brush at least twice daily—after breakfast and before bedtime—for a minimum of two minutes. Use a timer to ensure the required time is met!
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- Tools: Choose a soft or ultra-soft bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can damage the gums and wear down tooth enamel. Use fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.
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- Technique: Avoid horizontal scrubbing! Instead, use gentle circular or sweeping motions from the gum line to the tooth surface. Don’t forget the inner and chewing surfaces of the teeth! Gently cleaning the tongue helps remove bacteria that cause bad breath.
2. The Indispensable Role of FlossingEven with the best intentions, a toothbrush cannot reach the tight spaces between teeth. These areas accumulate plaque and food particles, which are the primary causes of cavities and gum disease.
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- Usage: Floss at least once daily, ideally in the evening before brushing. Tear off a 40-50 cm piece, wrap it around your middle fingers, and use your index and thumb to stretch a short section.
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- Technique: Gently guide the floss between the teeth. Form a “C” shape around each tooth and move it up and down, reaching below the gum line. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth space.
3. Mouthwash: The Supplementary StepIt’s important to note that mouthwash does not replace brushing or flossing. Its role is supplementary: it reduces bacterial count, freshens breath, and delivers active ingredients (e.g., fluoride) to hard-to-reach areas. Choose an alcohol-free, antibacterial, or fluoride-based variant according to your needs.
The Role of Diet
What we eat directly affects the health of our teeth.
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- Tooth-Friendly Foods: Calcium-rich foods (dairy products, almonds), crunchy vegetables and fruits (carrots, apples), and adequate water intake help keep teeth clean and strengthen enamel.
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- Foods to Avoid: Sugary drinks, sticky sweets, and refined carbohydrates (e.g., white bread, chips) feed cavity-causing bacteria. Acidic foods and beverages (citrus fruits, carbonated drinks) weaken tooth enamel. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing after consuming acidic items.
The Importance of Professional Care
Alongside at-home care, regular dental checkups are essential.
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- Regular Checkups: Visit your dentist at least once a year, ideally twice. A dentist can detect early issues that you might not notice yourself.
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- Professional Cleaning: Dental hygienist-performed scaling and polishing removes plaque buildup that home tools cannot reach. This is the most effective way to prevent gum disease.
Summary
Proper dental care is a lifelong investment in your health and well-being. The combination of daily routines (correct brushing, flossing), mindful eating, and regular dental checkups ensures your smile remains bright and healthy for years to come. Don’t wait for pain—take care of your smile every day.