Three Steps to Save at the Dentist

My patients often ask me during check-ups which toothbrush is better – the traditional or the electric one. In my opinion, the best toothbrush is the one you enjoy using! But seriously: it doesn’t matter whether you use a traditional or an electric toothbrush, as long as plaque is effectively removed.

Here are three simple yet extremely important key steps in your daily oral hygiene routine.

First Step: Brushing Your Teeth

In fact, brushing with an electric toothbrush is often easier, as the brush does the work for you – you only need to guide it. Proper technique is very important. I encourage my patients to bring their toothbrushes to check-ups at the practice. I like to observe how they brush and correct their technique if necessary. Ideally, the visit looks like this:

• You brush your teeth under my supervision, just as you do daily.

• Then, we apply a special dye to the plaque to see precisely which areas were not effectively cleaned. This surprises almost all patients.

• If needed, we then demonstrate the proper techniques for effective tooth cleaning.

Talk to your dental hygienist or dentist and ask whether it would make sense in your case to switch from a traditional to an electric toothbrush. Personally, I recommend electric toothbrushes to my patients. If you’d like to learn more about these as well as traditional toothbrushes and brushing techniques, I invite you to read the related post. Click the link.

Second Step: Cleaning Between the Teeth

Did you know that even the best toothbrush can't clean all surfaces of your teeth? After brushing, up to forty percent of tooth surfaces can still be covered with plaque, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. That’s why you should use dental floss or interdental brushes once a day, preferably in the evening, to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth. Dental floss is an excellent tool and a must-have in your daily oral hygiene routine. I’ve written an article with practical, step-by-step instructions on how to use dental floss properly. Don’t worry if you don’t have the patience to get used to flossing – be sure to check out the article on equivalent alternatives for cleaning between the teeth.

Step Three: Tongue Cleaning

Don't forget to clean your tongue too! The rough surface of the tongue provides an ideal environment for bacteria that cause bad breath. My advice: start cleaning your tongue today. You can easily do this with a regular toothbrush or even with a spoon. On your next visit to the supermarket, pharmacy, or dentist, you can look for a special tongue scraper.

Click on the link to learn more about how to properly clean your tongue.

Incorporate these three essential steps into your daily oral hygiene routine and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile — and more money in your pocket 😊