Maintaining good oral health between dental visits is essential for preventing problems like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Regular dental checkups are certainly key, but daily habits also make a big difference in dental and periodontal health. Here are five simple and effective ways to maintain oral health between visits to the dentist.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day (At Least!)
Brushing your teeth at least twice daily is the easiest “trick” for maintaining oral health. To brush properly, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush in a smooth, circular motion for at least two minutes, covering all areas of your mouth, including your tongue.
A commitment to proper brushing is vital to removing bacteria, plaque, and food particles that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Floss Daily, Using Proper Technique
While brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along your gumline. It’s essential to commit to flossing daily, especially before bed. It’s equally important to learn how to do so properly: maintain a smooth, steady motion, and remember, flossing harder is not more effective!
Neglecting to floss regularly (or properly) can increase your risk of developing cavities or gum disease in spots your toothbrush can't reach.
Rinse With Antibacterial Mouthwash
Incorporating antibacterial mouthwash with fluoride into your daily routine after brushing and flossing adds an extra layer of protection against bacteria and plaque. Mouthwash helps reduce harmful bacteria that contribute to bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Limit Sugary Foods and Beverages
Sugary foods and drinks, like soda, candy, and fruit juices, can damage teeth by feeding bacteria that produce harmful acids that erode tooth enamel. To protect your enamel and prevent decay, limit your intake of sugary treats, and when you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acids.
Stay Hydrated!
Drinking water throughout the day helps keep you hydrated, rinses away food particles and bacteria, and stimulates saliva production, which naturally protects teeth from decay.
Finding the Best Family Dental Care in Maple Grove, MN
If you’re in Maple Grove and looking for a top-quality dental team to provide vital preventive care to ensure a lifetime of bright and healthy smiles for everyone in your family, contact Dr. Mackenzie Colbert and the friendly and knowledgeable Colbert Family Dental team today to schedule an appointment!