How to Take Care of Your Smile At Home
At-home maintenance is just as important as dentist appointments!
We know here at G Dental 32 that regular teeth cleanings and dental checkups are an important part of overall dental health. Because of this, we encourage you to visit us every six months to make sure you’re getting ahead of any potential tooth problems, but you should know that taking care of your teeth takes a bit more than just regular office visits.
In between your teeth cleanings every six months, be sure to keep up good dental care habits like brushing your teeth and flossing. If you’re unsure where to start with your at-home dental care, here’s three things you can start doing now:
Brush your teeth daily.
This may seem like a given—most of us have grown up being taught to brush our teeth in the morning and before bed—but that doesn’t make this task any less important! The physical movement of toothbrush bristles against your teeth is important in and of itself to removing and preventing plaque build-up on your teeth, and doing so daily will keep your pearly whites in excellent shape. Adding some fluoride toothpaste to the mix, which works to eradicate germs and bacteria that cause tooth decay, and your daily tooth brushing routine becomes even more beneficial.
Try to remember to bring your toothbrush and toothpaste with you while traveling as well. Even a small lapse in your oral hygiene can have a negative effect on your teeth’s health long-term.
Floss regularly.
Flossing is just as important to your dental health as brushing, but many people neglect to floss and only brush their teeth daily. Regular flossing helps to remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Floss is especially important when it comes to taking care of your gums, which are just as important as your teeth. Without regular flossing in addition to brushing, you increase your risk of developing periodontitis which can eventually lead to loose teeth or, even worse, tooth and bone loss.
When flossing, be sure to move the floss far enough down into your gums to get the crevices that your toothbrush might miss. There’s quite a bit of tooth enamel that extends below the gum line to spots you can’t see, so regular flossing can keep even parts of your teeth you can’t see with the naked eye in good shape!
Use mouthwash regularly.
Not only does mouthwash help prevent bad breath and leave you with a clean, fresh feeling in your mouth, but it also helps kill bacteria that can cause plaque. In fact, mouthwash can help prevent periodontitis just like flossing! While mouthwash isn’t as necessary to your at-home dental routine as brushing and flossing, it can still help improve your overall oral health tremendously. The best part? Mouthwash is a simple, easy-to-remember part of any dental regimen!
Your at-home dental habits are just as important to your dental hygiene and health as what our expert hygienists and dentists do here at the G Dental 32 office. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash are great ways to take control of the health of your own teeth at home. Just don’t forget to call us when the time for your regular teeth cleaning rolls around!
