If you haven't had your teeth cleaned for some time, you're probably concerned about what will happen at your next dental cleaning. Whilst you might be dreading pain or bleeding gums when you get your next dental cleaning, it doesn't have to be difficult if you take the right steps to prepare. If you've delayed dental cleaning for a year, several years or even longer, it's important to make your next appointment as soon as possible. Read on to learn the three new routines you should begin before the cleaning.
Brushing Routine
Even if you've fallen short of good oral care in recent times, it's not too late to begin. A proper brushing routine can help you prepare for your dental cleaning by eliminating the plaque that accumulates on your teeth each day. If that plaque isn't brushed away, it will grow hard and turn into tartar -- and excessive tartar can only be removed by professional cleaning. Minimise the amount of tartar that must be removed as much as possible by brushing twice a day, for a full two minutes at each session. However, don't over-brush in an effort to prepare for your dental cleaning. Over-brushing, for example brushing five times per day, can greatly irritate your gums and can cause your enamel to wear down too quickly.
Flossing Routine
If you floss rarely (or even never) it's time to begin again before your dental cleaning. The best time to floss is generally at the end of the day, as it allows you to remove any debris that might have been left behind after brushing. If you find regular dental floss too difficult to use, consider purchase of disposable floss picks. They have pre-measured sections of floss and are extremely easy to use. Just toss in the bin afterwards and use a fresh one tomorrow! As with brushing, avoid over-flossing—it can cause gum irritation and bleeding, especially if you haven't flossed regularly in some time.
Rinsing Routine
A salt water rinse is an excellent way to reduce bacteria in the mouth, and thus makes a good supplement to regular brushing and flossing. After your morning and evening brushing routine, prepare a cup of warm water with a small amount of salt dissolved in it (enough to make the water slightly cloudy.) Swish the solution in your mouth for a full 30 seconds, spit into the basin, and then repeat until your cup of water is gone.
If you add the three new routines described above to your daily life, you might just find that your next dental cleaning is easier than you'd thought—even if it's been far too long. Contact your local family dentist to schedule your visit today.
