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What Does A Comprehensive Oral Hygiene Plan At Home Mean?  

Children from a young age learn to brush their teeth. As people age, they learn why brushing is important. With regular visits to your dentist in Rancho Mirage, CA, you may have picked up information here and there about how plaque and tartar can accumulate when brushing is not done often enough. But for those who are serious about dental care, what does a comprehensive oral hygiene plan at home actually mean?

Brushing

Your brushing routine is just as important as how you brush. Every time you eat you should brush afterward. That includes brushing after snacking. You also need to brush first thing in the morning and last thing before you go to bed at night. This is the best way to get rid of debris and bacteria that accumulates in the mouth and on your teeth.

Flossing

The kind of floss you use doesn’t matter as much as how often you floss. You should floss before and after you brush. Floss before to loosen debris in between teeth so it can be brushed away. Floss after to get rid of debris that might have been missed by your toothbrush.

Tongue Cleaning

Bacteria can build up on your tongue as well as your teeth. Use a designated tongue scraping device at least once a day, after brushing and before rinsing.

Rinsing

Sometimes people skip this important step because they figure that they “rinsed” toothpaste out of their mouth. But rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash is that one extra step that can kill bacteria and get rid of microscopic particles that may be harmful to your teeth. Rinsing should always be the last step after brushing and flossing.

Your dentist in Rancho Mirage, CA, is an essential part of your oral hygiene. But taking care of these steps at home increases your chances for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Contact us to book your appointment today.