Beyond Brushing and Flossing: The Complete Oral Hygiene Routine from Dr. Michelle Cothran

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By Garner Dental Solutions | August 13, 2025

Oral hygiene affects more than a healthy smile. It affects body health daily. Brushing and flossing alone is what most people wrongly believe will ward off all oral disease. Poor oral hygiene has been associated through research with heightened risk of heart disease and diabetes complications.

Dr. Michelle Cothran provides an extensive oral hygiene program to protect health and confidence in the long term.

Why Oral Hygiene Goes Beyond the Basics

Forgetting to prioritize the basics of oral care can lead to unwanted plaque, cavities, and painful gum infections. Bacterial growth is quick to explode when regular upkeep overlooks the tight spaces between teeth and undergum areas. Poor oral health raises risk factors for decay, bleeding gums, bad breath, and loss of teeth.

Research links oral hygiene to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infection, and low self-esteem. Proper oral hygiene will save on dental needs in addition to maintaining teeth for a lifetime. Every day, good oral hygiene reduces risks, improves digestion, and immunity by controlling bacterial growth.

Excellent speech, easy chewing, and good mental health are what happy smiles can bring.

Step-by-Step Complete Oral Hygiene Routine

Brushing Properly

Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste for cavity prevention and enamel well-being. Take two minutes brushing, brushing teeth surfaces, gums, and tongue thoroughly each time. Avoid aggressive brushing as it erodes enamel and disturbs delicate gum tissues unnecessarily.

Proper Flossing

Daily flossing to remove plaque between teeth where toothbrush bristles do not reach. Utilize dental floss, tape, or water flossers, depending on spacing and personal comfort levels.

Mouthwash Matters

Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to reduce germs that cause decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Fluoride rinses harden enamel and leave breath smelling fresh when used after brushing and flossing.

Tongue Cleaning

Scrubs the tongue daily as bacteria make nests in grooves and create bad breath. Soft brushes or scrapers easily remove debris, keeping the mouth fresh throughout the day.

Regular Dental Checkups

Visit a dentist in Garner every six months for professional cleaning and early diagnosis of dental issues. Dentists identify cavities, gum disease, or issues of misalignment before serious symptoms develop.

Diet & Lifestyle Choices

Limit sugary snacks, acidic drinks, and tobacco because they undermine teeth and gums. Drink water at regular intervals, munch on crunchy fruits, and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow.

Doctor Advice from Dr. Michelle Cothran

Dr. Cothran, a professional dentist in Garner, suggests creating phone reminders for brushing and flossing to help establish habits. People need to watch how well they are taking care of their mouths until good habits are routine.

Fluoride rinses and soft toothbrushes that won’t tear at gentle receding gums can protect sensitive receding gums in elderly adults. For those who are in a hurry, travel-sized brushes and floss picks, along with rinse,s can be used during the middle of the day to ensure you’re still looking sharp.

Drinking water also supports saliva production, which helps naturally combat bacteria and rinse away mouth acid. Visiting the dentist in Garner every six months prevents emergency treatment by identifying problems when they are small.

Good oral health helps keep the body, mind, and spirit in great shape. The discipline of fine habits is much augmented by professional direction, as is the frequency of dental crises and the excellent status of long-term oral health that ensues.

Book an appointment with Dr. Michelle Cothran today and experience modern dentistry. Schedule a visit today, and enjoy a more beautiful smile and a healthier you every year.

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