Brushing your teeth is such a natural part of your routine (we hope) that you may not give much thought to whether you're actually doing it correctly. Knowing exactly what to do and how often to do it makes a significant difference in the overall health and appearance of your smile.
Cosmetic dentist Marc Lowenberg of Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor in New York believes the foundation of a healthy smile lies within twice yearly cleanings/exams with your dentist. "Additionally, every adult should brush, floss and use a mouthwash at least twice daily," he says.
The dental professional suggests using toothpaste that contains baking soda because it leaves the mouth fresh and neutralizes odor-causing bacteria. When shopping for mouthwash, Lowenberg says to choose one that contains fluoride to decrease the risk of cavities. Be sure to always floss your teeth before rinsing because a lot of odor comes from food stuck between teeth.
If Lowenberg were to give anyone three top tips on dental hygiene, it would be floss, floss and floss. He explains, "Most of the bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease lives in 'hard to get to' areas between the teeth and brushing will simply not reach it and rinsing is not powerful enough to dislodge it. The only way of physically removing plaque from between the teeth is to floss."
Now that you know all the steps to clean your teeth and why flossing is a must, below are seven dental hygiene products we recommend adding to your oral care routine.
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