There’s nothing like the fresh feeling of newly cleaned teeth after a dentist visit. Have you ever wondered how you can maintain that freshness between routine dental cleanings near you?
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When it comes to oral care, it is easier to maintain good oral hygiene than to rely on your dentist to correct mouth problems. It’s not difficult to keep that newly cleaned feeling and ward off oral health complications. Maintain a fresh, healthy mouth between your six-month dental cleanings in 85254 with the following tips:
- Skip the Soda: If you are a daily soda drinker, this bad habit is likely damaging your teeth. The acids that create the fizz in soda are very corrosive and have been proven to erode tooth enamel. Acid erosion makes teeth more susceptible to cavities. Water is always the best beverage option.
- Reduce Sugar Intake: Mouth bacteria love sugar. The intake of sweet treats promotes bacteria growth in the mouth and increases acidity which leads to plaque formation. Plaque is a sticky layer that forms on enamel and causes tooth decay and gum disease. Limit sugary foods and beverages and brush your teeth after enjoying sweets.
- Quit Smoking: Tobacco use is very bad for health and your teeth. No matter how shiny your dentist gets your smile, habitual smoking between visits will reverse all the effort that took place during the professional dental cleaning in 85254.
- Use the Proper Brushing Technique: If you are not brushing correctly, you are probably not cleaning your teeth thoroughly. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and use short, circular motions with a soft-bristled toothbrush. The compact brush head should be pointed toward the gumline. Brush for at least two minutes.
- Don’t Skip the Floss: Proper flossing removes plaque, bacteria and food particles between teeth and below the gumline. Floss reaches places your toothbrush can’t. To avoid damaging your gums, wrap about 2-inches of floss between your fingers and pull out a new section for each tooth. Keep the floss held tight against the surface to break up plaque without harming your gums.
- Brush Gently: It might be tempting to bear down hard on your teeth while brushing, but aggressive motions won’t get your teeth any cleaner. In fact, too much intensity can damage enamel making teeth more porous and sensitive. Harsh brushing can also lead to irreversible gum recession.
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Although nothing replaces brushing after eating, it isn’t always convenient. The next best thing is keep a sugarless gum on hand to boost saliva production (natural antibacterial agent), clean your teeth and freshen breath between brushings.
- Clean Your Teeth While You Eat: Just like sugary foods and drinks can negatively impact your oral health, certain foods can help. You can reduce plaque buildup by eating crisp, firm cleansing foods such as apples, popcorn, raw carrots and celery. These foods no not take the place of good oral hygiene practices but eating these items can help safeguard your dental health.
So, now that you know how to take better care for your teeth and gums, does that mean you no longer need to visit your dentist? Regular teeth cleanings from a professional will help you maintain good oral health and uncover mouth issues sooner. The earlier your dentist discovers an oral health complication, the easier, less painful and less costly it will be to restore your smile.