Throughout this three-part article series, the dentist in Colorado Springs has been discussing 8 tips geared towards helping patients maintain a high standard of oral health and hygiene. In this article, the final installment of the series, we shall be looking at the last three essential tips for keeping pearly whites in perfect lifelong condition.

If you thought that the only difference between the seemingly endless choices of toothbrushes at the super market was brand name, think again! An integral part of dental hygiene maintenance is choosing the right toothbrush.

• Choose a toothbrush with soft to medium bristles. Hard bristles actually do damage to your dental enamel over time, contributing to its erosion.
• Replace your toothbrush every two to three months, says the dentist in Colorado Springs, or when you notice the bristles getting bent and splayed.
• Keep your toothbrush upright, dry and away from the toilet when not in use.
• Don’t keep your toothbrush in a small container where it can’t dry properly, advises the dentist in Colorado Springs. A warm, moist environment encourages bacteria to multiply.

So you know how important it is to brush twice a day. But there’s more to proper home oral hygiene than a quick go-over with your toothbrush once in the morning and once before you go to bed at night! Without proper brushing technique, explains the dentist in Colorado Springs, your teeth will be just as susceptible to decay, cavities and gum disease as someone with sloppy oral hygiene.

• Brush your teeth for two minutes at a time, dedicating 30 seconds per quadrant of the mouth.
• Hold the toothbrush at 45° towards the gum line and brush gently in short circular motions, says the dentist in Colorado Springs.
• Don’t press too hard when you brush… you can damage the gums and erode away your dental enamel.
• Special tip from the dentist in Colorado Springs: Wait 30 minutes after a meal before you brush your teeth. Increased acid production in the mouth after food can leave dental enamel softer and more vulnerable to erosion.

Flossing is an integral part of your home oral hygiene routine, says the dentist in Colorado Springs, yet the number of people who actually do floss every day is in the minority. Flossing allows you to clean out the food and plaque from between your teeth; stuff that would otherwise just sit there and decay, contributing to cavity-causing tartar formation (hard deposits of bacteria.) Make sure you floss gently, but thoroughly, working it down below the gum line to dig out stubborn deposits of food and plaque.

1. Book and keep bi-annual appointments with the dental hygienist and dentist in Colorado Springs.
2. Monitor the dental healthcare of young children and the elderly.
3. Treat soda, fruit juice and energy drinks as a treat and not as thirst-quenchers.
4. Cut your sugar consumption.
5. Stop smoking and/or chewing tobacco.
6. Use the right toothbrush.
7. Practice proper brushing technique.
8. Floss everyday!