One of the most frequently asked question by our patients as they leave their hygiene appointment is, “how do I maintain the wonderful shiny and clean mouth feel between dental appointments?” Many are surprised to hear that it does not take much to see great results. Visiting the dentist regularly is an important part, but having good oral hygiene habits at home is just as vital. Getting a routine started and maintaining that routine will keep your mouth feeling fresh until your next dental visit.
Follow these simple steps to take care of your smile between dental visits. Remember, it takes approximately three to four weeks for a habit to become automatic.
1. Brush twice a day and floss once a day.
This is a dental professional’s mantra when it comes to taking care of your teeth. There’s no escaping it. It’s not just about brushing your teeth as much as the technique and the type of toothbrush to use. Using an electric toothbrush is a great start to a more consistent and proper brushing technique. If you need a refresher check out our Video Guide to Brushing. Flossing is equally as important as brushing. Flossing at least once a day is critical to cleaning areas where the brush just can’t reach. A tooth has 5 surfaces and brushing alone only cleans 3 of the surfaces. Flossing will help keep the other two surfaces clean. Not convinced yet? Read Don’t Toss that Floss to learn more.
2. Say yes to Fluoride.
Fluoride is a natural occurring mineral in all water sources. It is considered to be nature’s cavity fighter. Fluoride in water, toothpaste, and mouth rinses strengthens the surface of your enamel making it super tough. As you can image, a harder tooth surface creates a shield that make it harder for bacteria that cause cavities to break through. Not only can it help prevent cavities, but it also helps repair early stages of tooth decay by making the tooth structure stronger and more resistant to acid attacks. If you’re prone to cavities it might be time to use a prescription toothpaste or rinse with additional fluoride.
3. Don’t Forget to Clean your Tongue!
The most overlooked areas of oral hygiene is cleaning your tongue! Your tongue harbors food particles and plaque-causing bacteria that need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Your breath and teeth will thank you for it. Either use your toothbrush and small amount of toothpaste to brush your tongue. For a more thorough clean, try a tongue scraper. Tongue scrapers have been shown to reduce bad breath by removing 45% of odor causing compounds (volatile sulfer compounds), and reducing production of said smelly compounds by 75%. Follow your brushing and flossing routine with cleaning your tongue for maximum freshness.
4. Eat Healthy and Drink Water.
Eating healthy is beneficial for your overall health and your oral health. Eating fibrous vegetables, drinking at least 8 glasses of water and avoiding high sugar/carbohydrate foods are essential for healthy and strong teeth. High fibrous vegetables act as a scrubbing agent to remove plaque and help stimulate saliva production. Saliva and water will help flush away food particles and bacteria lingering around in the mouth. Bacteria that cause cavities thrive on sugar and carbohydrates, so when you reach for a snack give baby carrots, a piece of cheese, or some almonds a try.