Many common oral health issues, such as decay and gum disease, are largely preventable. One effective way to protect your smile is to daily brush and floss your teeth. Here are some tips to help you enhance your at-home oral care routine:
- Use the Right Tools
- Consider Adding a Mouthwash
- Don’t Ignore the Power of a Tooth-Healthy Diet
We recommend brushing your teeth and tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste and flossing every day. The best kind of toothbrush and floss are the tools that you’ll actually use effectively every day.
For example, if your flossing habit is sporadic at best, investing in a water flosser can help make flossing a more enjoyable and regular part of your routine. Or an inexpensive, simple floss pick can help you get started. Then, once the habit is established, you could enhance your routine with a combination of water flossing and string flossing.
If you find that you’re rushing through brushing, an electric toothbrush with a timer can help you remember to slow down and gently brush each quarter of your mouth for 30 seconds. It also takes over much of the “work” when compared to brushing with a manual toothbrush.
For those that struggle with sensitive teeth, use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste and consult with our team to determine the cause of your sensitivity.
If mouthwash isn’t already a regular part of your oral care routine, consider adding an alcohol-free rinse. There are various types of mouthwash that can remineralize your teeth with fluoride; fight bad breath; kill bad bacteria; whiten teeth; reduce mouth dryness; and more.
The food and beverages you consume can increase your risk for cavities if you’re not careful. Enjoying the occasional sweet treat is fine. We recommend limiting your sugar intake. Carbohydrates are an important energy source but sugar also provides fuel for acid-producing oral bacteria. The more sugar you consume, the more acid the bacteria produce. These toxins damage tooth enamel, irritate gums, cause bad breath, and more.
With a few simple changes, you can take your oral hygiene routine to the next level! To ask our team any questions about your oral healthcare, please contact us to schedule an appointment.