Many of us treat the job of brushing our teeth as an afterthought. We do it in a hurry before we leave the house, or inattentively as we get ready for bed. Many see brushing as just another chore. At Anchor Dental, we see it differently – we see taking care of our teeth as part of a rewarding and healthy self-care routine.
TAKE YOUR TIME
Every day at Anchor Dental, we coach our patients to slow down and care for their teeth. It's not a difficult or time-consuming task, and spending just an extra minute or two a few times a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride will pay off with a lifetime of healthier teeth and gums.
PACK A TOOTHBRUSH TO GO
The Canadian Dental Association recommends we brush at least twice per day. And if you can work in a third brushing while at work, all the better. It will help you feel clean, refreshed and ready to face your afternoon.
TURN ON YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
Have you ever tried an electric toothbrush? The micro-movements of the brush do a very thorough job of cleaning debris and plaque from your teeth, with less effort than manual brushing. Full disclosure: some patients report that they don’t like the vibration – that it makes their noses itch. If that happens, stick with it and before long you won't notice those sensations at all, what you will notice is clean teeth and fresh breath.
THE FLOSS EFFECT
I get it, a lot of people hate flossing. But the help it gives your teeth and gums, removing plaque, preventing decay and gum disease is enormous!, A very reasonable goal for flossing is at least once per day. Keep your floss next to your toothbrush to remind yourself. And if you don't like using tradition floss, there are many other interdental aids on the market that might make it easier (and dare I say, more enjoyable?) to remove even more plaque from between the teeth. Proxabrushes, soft picks, Waterpik - ask your hygienist about them the next time you are in for a cleaning. We recommend using whatever makes your life easier, but use something.
These are just a few simple ways you can ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. Your teeth will thank you, and so will your hygienist!