Dental issues like cavities and gum disease are avoided with proper oral care, but most don’t know they can add habits beyond brushing and flossing to improve their mouth health.
A dentist provides tailored guidance for your unique lifestyle. You can develop a plan to keep your teeth clean and avoid cavities by talking to your dentist. Here are some ideas to start:
- Seek to improve your oral health routine.
Look to see if you can improve on your toothpaste brand to one most credited by dentists. Keep up with brushing at least twice a day. Dentists state brushing when you first get up and immediately after an evening meal are the most effective because that is when you have the most bacteria. - Eat tooth-scrubbing snacks.
Some snacks are better for your teeth than others. Trade the sticky sweets for fibrous things that scrub your teeth as you chew. Foods that can help keep teeth clean are crunchy foods such as apples, pears, carrots, and broccoli. - Don’t forget to floss.
Flossing is a daily habit that tons of folks skip or simply forget about. But you also need to dislodge food particles from between your teeth that might otherwise lead to cavities. Many who dislike string floss should consider purchasing a water flosser. It’s more manageable, and it feels good to use. It could be the product that prompts you to brush your teeth more carefully. - Keep up with dental visits.
Keeping your twice-yearly dentist appointments is one of the best ways to prevent cavities. This is when cleanings and exams are performed. Routine cleanings to remove plaque and tartar will go a long way toward preventing cavities. This can identify issues early on, so treatment is less intrusive and less expensive. - Swish with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Because it kills the majority of the bacteria found in your mouth, an antibacterial mouthwash or rinse can help you maintain clean teeth. It clears food debris that can cause cavities as well. - Drink more water.
Water is good for you and your teeth. It can wash away a little food after you eat and prevent your mouth from being dry. Plaque and tartar lead to cavities, and a dry mouth leads to more plaque and more tartar. If you added more water, that would benefit your overall health, too, and the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums.
Having clean teeth is not too difficult if you make sure to maintain your oral health with regular appointments and a steady diet, which, to be honest, takes a little discipline. If you’re looking for other suggestions for keeping your teeth healthy, our dentists can provide them! Contact us today to book your visit!