When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, it’s not just about brushing your teeth twice a day; it’s about setting up a routine that works for your mouth from morning to night. Dr. Tanvi Thaper, dental expert, shares her ideal AM-to-PM oral hygiene tips for a clean, fresh mouth all day long, which we all can follow.
Morning Routine: Start Your Day Right
After a good night’s sleep, your mouth is in an acidic state due to the natural digestion process that happens overnight. The first thing you should do is drink a glass of water to neutralize the acids in your mouth. This simple step will set a fresh tone for your oral hygiene routine.
Next up: brush your teeth for at least 3 minutes. This ensures you thoroughly remove any leftover plaque or bacteria that may have accumulated. Don’t forget to clean your tongue and cheeks too! These areas can harbor bacteria, leading to bad breath and other oral health issues.
Once your teeth are clean, make sure to floss or use a water flosser to clean between your teeth. Flossing helps get rid of food particles and plaque which your toothbrush might not reach. Finish off with a quick rinse to leave your mouth feeling fresh and ready for the day!
Night Routine: Cleanse Before Heading to Bed
At night, after eating, food often gets stuck in the grooves of your teeth and in between them. This is why flossing becomes even more important. If food particles are left behind overnight, they can lead to cavities and other dental issues. So, before you hit the sack, make sure to floss thoroughly.
Next, brush your teeth with a high fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride has anti-cavity properties and helps protect your teeth while you sleep. Again, don’t forget to rinse to remove any remaining particles, and your mouth will be squeaky clean before you sleep.
A solid oral care routine in the morning and night can go a long way in maintaining your oral health, preventing cavities, and ensuring a brighter smile!
Feel free to comment below if you have any more questions or tips on how to elevate your oral care routine. Dr. Tanvi Thaper is always happy to help you smile with confidence!