Tip 1: Close your mouth a bit to reach your back teeth
Beyond the “basics”: 5 must-know oral health tips
Many of us are familiar with oral health basics, like brushing for two minutes twice daily and using fluoride toothpaste. But if you want to further your oral health education, there are a few more tips and tricks to learn.
Cleaning your back molars can be tricky. But it’s easier if you remember that your jaw doesn’t need to be locked into the same position for the full two minutes you are brushing your teeth.
For many people, closing your mouth a little (instead of opening wider) can help you reach those very back teeth.
Tip 2: Yes, you should floss behind your very back teeth
This area is difficult to reach with the toothbrush and easy to forget, so it’s important to floss here, too. Other flossing advice:
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Be patient. Take your time to make sure you’re cleaning effectively. -
Be gentle. Ease the floss under the gumline gently, then push it against the tooth forming a c-shape around the tooth. Move the floss up and down along the side of each tooth.
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Be consistent. Only about 30% of Americans floss daily.1
Tip 3: Master your electric toothbrush
An electric toothbrush is a great way to clean your teeth, but it is a little different to use than a traditional toothbrush. To make the most of your buzzing brusher:
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Don’t brush back and forth. The electric toothbrush will take care of that for you!
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Don’t brush as hard as you would with a traditional toothbrush. This can damage your tooth enamel and cause the bristles to wear down sooner.
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Remember to replace your toothbrush head every three months or sooner if it starts to fray — the same as you would a regular toothbrush.
Tip 4: Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth before, during, and after whitening treatments
Professional and over-the-counter whitening treatments can cause temporary tooth sensitivity. Try using toothpaste for sensitive teeth about two weeks before you start whitening, and continue until you stop treatment (or a little after). If tooth sensitivity persists after you fully stop whitening, consult your dentist.
Tip 5: Educate yourself
Do you have questions about your oral health? Find answers by talking with your dentist or reviewing the information and FAQs at deltadental.com.
1Fleming, E., Nguyen, D., & Woods, P. Prevalence of daily flossing among adults by selected risk factors for periodontal disease — United States, 2009 – 2014. (2018, August) from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6434526/
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