Regular dental visits are an important part of your oral health. Professional cleanings and comprehensive oral examinations go a long way toward preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Even so, daily oral hygiene habits at home are equally important for keeping your teeth and mouth healthy.
How can you improve your oral health at home? There are many ways, and in this article we will explain how you can take positive steps to maintain your natural teeth and keep them in place throughout your lifetime.
Establish a Consistent Brushing and Flossing Routine
Start by making a commitment to brush your teeth twice a day. We recommend brushing once in the morning after waking up or after eating breakfast, and then again at night before you go to bed. It is best if you brush after the last thing you eat that day and avoid eating anything else before going to sleep. This way your teeth remain free of food residue that can lead to plaque formation. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when you notice that the bristles are bent.
It is also beneficial to floss once a day, either in the morning or at night when you brush your teeth. There is no evidence to support whether flossing at night or in the morning is better, and it also doesn’t matter which you do first, brushing or flossing. Choose whatever time of day and order that best helps you remember to do it. Use a clean piece of floss each time and be sure to curve it around each tooth to reach the pockets between the teeth and gums.
Choose a Tooth-Friendly Diet
Another key part of maintaining your oral health is your diet. What you eat can affect your teeth and mouth, so it is important to be mindful of your choices.
Foods to avoid:
- Sugar. Foods and drinks that are high in sugar cling to the teeth, trapping and feeding bacteria. This leads to the development of cavities as the bacteria gradually eats away your enamel.
- Acids. High acidity levels in foods and drinks can weaken enamel over time, making teeth more susceptible to decay.
Foods to eat more frequently:
- Dairy. The calcium contained in dairy products strengthens tooth enamel and helps to prevent cavities.
- Crunchy fruits and veggies. Munching on crunchy fruits and veggies naturally cleans your teeth as you chew, removing plaque and food particles.
The timing of your eating habits is also important. Allow a few hours between meals and snacks rather than constantly or frequently munching. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, which promotes saliva production for a natural teeth rinsing process.
Use At-Home Dental Tools and Products
In addition to brushing and flossing, rinsing with mouthwash adds another layer of protection for your teeth. Mouthwash reduces bacteria and reaches the smallest nooks and crannies of your mouth. Many mouthwashes also contain fluoride to help strengthen tooth enamel.
Other dental tools such as tongue scrapes and water flossers can help remove plaque and bacteria from the soft tissues of your mouth, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Keep in mind that even with great home care, professional cleanings and exams are essential to maintaining your oral health. Dentistry With a Smile provides preventive care to help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, as well as restorative care when needed. Our comprehensive dental services include cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, and more, allowing us to meet all of your dental needs under one roof. Call 973-740-9200 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Health
How often should I replace my toothbrush?
At the very least you should replace your toothbrush every 6 months after your dental checkup. But it is even better to replace it every 3-4 months, as the bristles become bent and damaged over time, making your brush less effective.
What foods are best for strengthening teeth?
Some of the best foods to eat for stronger teeth include milk, cheese, yogurt (low sugar), celery, carrots, apples, and almonds. Crunchy fruits and veggies and foods high in calcium are best.
Dentistry With a Smile provides comprehensive dental services for families in Livingston, NJ and the surrounding area. Dr. Sebastian and her team of highly qualified professionals are dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal oral health through the right combination of professional and at-home care. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your appointment.