3 Easy Dental Hygiene Tips from Your Rialto, CA Dentist

Do you want to enhance the look of your smile, but you’re not sure how to get started? Along with brushing and flossing, there are some more easy tips that can enhance your smile and breath. 
 
Keep reading for these top three dental hygiene tips from your Rialto, CA dentist!  
 
Don’t Rinse Your Mouth 
Did you know that it’s recommended not to rinse your mouth out with water after you brush your teeth? The reason for this is that the active ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral. The longer it sits on your teeth after you brush, the more effective it is at protecting your teeth against decay. For this reason, resist rinsing off the toothpaste when you’re done.  
 
Use a Soft Bristle Toothbrush 
The toothbrush you use, electrical or manual, also makes a difference in your smile. Unless recommended by your dentist, you’ll want to stick with toothbrushes that have soft bristles. 
 
The reason for this is that hard bristles can damage your enamel if you brush too hard. You might also notice your gums lifting and receding.  
 
Lastly, soft bristles help you reach nooks and crannies of your teeth that are harder for dense, hard bristles to reach.  
 
Clean Your Tongue Too 
Lastly, cleaning your tongue is just as important as brushing your teeth and flossing! Your tongue can harbor bacteria and food particles that contribute to bad breath and tooth decay. With this in mind, brush your tongue after you’re finished brushing your teeth.  
 
You can also opt to use a tongue scraper, which is a quick and efficient way of cleaning. Start in the back of your tongue and slowly drag the scraper to the tip, repeating this motion two or three times. Rinse it off each time.  
 
Schedule an Appointment With Your Favorite Rialto, CA Dentist 
Of course, no dental hygiene routine is complete without a dental cleaning with your dentist every six months. They can watch out for developing issues with your teeth before they become critical and expensive to treat. They’ll also be able to provide you with customized tips on how to best take care of your teeth!  
 
Ready for a dental cleaning with a quality Rialto, CA dentist? Contact us today to get started!