When it comes to dental hygiene, you know you should be faithfully brushing your teeth before you start your day and before bed at night, but instead you may give a quick 30 second scrub around your mouth and assume you’re hitting all the areas you should. You tell yourself mouthwash is for mornings when you don’t even have time to brush, and you’d prefer to forget about flossing altogether!

Rather than get in a tizzy about the dos and don’ts of dental hygiene, here are four questions to ask your hygienist the next time you visit your dentist:

  • What kind of toothbrush and toothpaste is best for me?
  • How often do I really need to floss?
  • Is mouthwash worth the extra time and effort?
  • What can I do to improve my smile?

Caring for your teeth can be done in as little as five minutes in the morning and five minutes before bed at night, so don’t put off getting started today!

Common Questions About Dental Hygiene

What Kind Of Toothbrush And Toothpaste Is Best?

Whether you’re flipping through magazines, scrolling online or even standing in the grocery store checkout line, you have probably been flashed an image of a crisp looking smile and some brand of toothpaste claiming to be the most whitening. But how do you know which toothpaste or toothbrush to try when there are dozens of each to choose from?

The best toothbrush for your teeth is one that will not be too hard on your gums or your enamel. In most cases a soft-bristled brush is the best choice. However, if you are exploring your options there are also great electric toothbrushes that can gently clean your teeth even more thoroughly than soft bristled toothbrushes. When looking for new toothpaste, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of the available options. The most important thing you can do is to choose a toothpaste that has fluoride to keep your teeth clean, prevent plaque buildup and fight against cavity formation.

Should I Really Be Flossing?

When it comes to flossing, the answer is always “yes!” Flossing at least once a day helps guarantee that any food particles stuck in your teeth from the day, or your late night popcorn snack, are quickly removed, saving your teeth from plaque buildup and decay. Flossing can be done in as little as a couple of minutes and can go miles in preventing tooth decay from occurring.

Does Using Mouthwash Actually Help?

Mouthwash is a great post-brushing solution to rid your mouth of any leftover food particles or germs that may be trying to hide in between your teeth. It’s the perfect compliment to any brushing session as it freshens your breath and leaves you feeling confident that your mouth and your smile are as clean as can be!

Can I Fix My Teeth? What About My Smile?

No matter what issue you may be experiencing with your teeth, whether apparent or not, there is most likely a solution for it. Dentistry has evolved so much over the last several decades and dentists can now offer all sorts of solutions for dental issues you’d like to have restored or covered up:

With the advances in dentistry, your dentist will be able to help you determine what course of action makes the most sense for you while also providing you the smile you desire.

When In Doubt, Consult Your Keller Dentist

Dental hygiene is one of the most simple things you can do for your physical appearance, but oftentimes, it is easily overlooked in the midst of our busy days. If you’re due for a dental checkup and cleaning, contact Pickett Family Dental in Keller, Texas at 817-431-5514 or schedule an appointment online at pickettfamilydental.com. Our staff loves treating patients of all ages, no matter whether you have a specific concern about your dental hygiene or it’s just time for a routine cleaning. Pickett Family Dental looks forward to serving you!