Tips for Optimal At-Home Dental Care
You may visit the dentist twice a year, but that’s not enough complete your oral health regimen. How you care for your teeth at home plays a major role in the longevity of your smile
It’s true that your dentist is the only one who can remove stubborn tartar from teeth and diagnose any oral health concerns, but you can also contribute to your cause by practicing a few tips for optimal at-home dental care!
1. Brush and floss regularly
It may seem obvious, but brushing properly and flossing regularly is what will give you a clean bill of health the next time you head to the dentist’s office. It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Doing so keeps bacteria from penetrating your tooth enamel and gums.
2. Rinse with a non-alcoholic mouthwash
It’s not always necessary to use an oral rinse, but adding one to your oral hygiene routine can improve the health of your teeth even more. Mouthwash destroys any bacteria left on your teeth after brushing and flossing and gives your mouth an added clean feeling once you’ve used it. Non-alcoholic mouthwashes keep the mouth from drying out, avoiding issues like decay.
3. Eat the right diet
What you put into your body can dictate the health and durability of your teeth. Foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can increase the strength of your tooth enamel and keep cavities at bay. Other foods, like fruits and vegetables, act as edible toothbrushes that scrape off plaque and bacteria as you chew. A healthy balance of the right foods can significantly improve the condition of your teeth.
4. Avoid the wrong diet
If a balanced diet improves your oral health, then it only makes sense that an unhealthy diet will do the opposite. Consuming lots of sugar whether it’s soda, candy or juice is a recipe for plaque, tartar, and cavities over time. If you do consume sugary foods, it’s important to brush and floss regularly to avoid oral health problems in the future, but it’s best to limit your consumption of these foods overall.
5. Use your teeth for chewing only!
Eliminating plaque and tartar from your teeth is only one part of maintaining your smile. Your teeth are prone to damage just like any other part of your body, which is why you should only use them for their intended purpose - chewing! Using your teeth as tools for opening wrappers or unscrewing bottle caps can cause them to chip and crack, which is not only cosmetically unappealing but can lead to health issues in the future.
The better you care for your teeth at home, the easier your bi-annual dental appointments will be! Not only will your dentist appreciate your diligence, but your teeth will thank you, too! If you would like more information about the best ways to care for your teeth at home, contact our Danville dental practice and schedule an appointment!
Ruben Alvarez
Alvarez Solutions is a leading provider of dental practice management solutions with personalize coaching techniques. Whether you are just starting with your dental practice and need help to establish your business, or you are an experienced dentist who wants to revive the practice and improve revenue and reputation. Coaching Staff Training, Patient Management, PR Support, Billing and Insurance Support, Doctor and Hygiene Department Development.