Your dentist can help keep your smile happy and healthy, and there’s no substitute for regular care from a dental professional. That said, the biggest thing you can do to really take care of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health is focus on the things you do every day, at home.
Your daily oral care habits are going to have a huge impact on the way your teeth look and feel. But at-home care doesn’t need to be overly complicated. In fact, we’ve narrowed it down to three big tips. These are the absolute must-dos when it comes to caring for your teeth at home.
Brush at least twice a day
Brushing your teeth in the morning and at night is non-negotiable if you want to care for your teeth properly. Some people also brush after meals.
When brushing, remember these guidelines:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride fights germs that can lead to tooth decay, and it can also help protect the teeth. As popular as fluoride-free toothpastes are these days, there is really no substitute for a toothpaste with fluoride.
- Brush for at least two minutes each time.
- When you brush your teeth, keep the brush angled, and move the brush in small, circular motions to best fight plaque.
- Brush or clean your tongue as well, as this can help with plaque and bad breath.
Floss at least once a day
Flossing is more effective than brushing at cleaning tight spaces between the teeth, helping avoid buildup of plaque and bacteria. Flossing is also very important for gum health, as it can help reduce inflammation in the gums.
Watch your diet
Sugary foods and drinks can wreak havoc on your teeth. Cutting excess sugar out of your diet can make a big difference when it comes to your oral health.
Certain foods can also stain your teeth (or make your teeth more prone to staining), so they should be eaten in moderation. These include:
- Coffee and tea
- Soft drinks and sports drinks
- Pasta sauce
- Red wine
- Balsamic vinegar
- Candy and chocolate
In addition, crunchy fruits and vegetables are not only nutritious, but chewing them stimulates saliva production, which can help protect teeth. Following these three simple rules can go a long way towards keeping your smile healthy. Whether you’ve followed these practices for years, or you’ve fallen behind in some ways, it’s never too late to start properly caring for your teeth at home.
If you have any questions about your current at-home routine, feel free to talk to your dentist at Smile Concepts. We’re here to help you have the healthy, beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of, and we can help you know where to start when it comes to caring for your teeth at home. Give us a call at 480-418-1830 to set up an appointment today!
