5 Tips for Improving Your At-Home Dental Care Routine

Did you know that only half of adults say they visit their dentist regularly? It is recommended that patients get their teeth cleaned and examined every six months, but for many, going to the dentist can be an anxiety-filled experience. Thankfully, a strong at-home dental care routine can make your next visit a breeze. Check out these five tips on how you can improve the health of your teeth and mouth.

Use a Quality Toothbrush

This may go without saying, but the quality of your toothbrush will directly affect your ability to clean your teeth. The first thing you should look for is the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval located on the outside of the toothbrush’s packaging. It is also recommended that you only use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as medium or hard bristles can damage your tooth enamel, gums, and the surface of your teeth.

Floss Regularly

Flossing is monumental in keeping your gums plaque-free and healthy. In fact, many people may be surprised to learn that flossing before you brush your teeth can be more beneficial than flossing after you brush, as removing plaque from in between your teeth helps the fluoride in your toothpaste reach more of your tooth’s surface. If using a full string of floss to clean your teeth is too difficult, consider using a floss pick for an easier approach to cleaning those hard to reach spaces in the back of your mouth.

Drink More Tap Water

The ADA reports that the fluoride in tap water can reduce your chances of tooth decay by up to 25%. This means that something as simple as staying hydrated can actually help keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Maintain A Healthy Diet

In addition to drinking tap water, the food you eat can have a big impact on the overall condition of your mouth. For example, cutting out foods and drinks with a high acidity level can significantly reduce your risk of developing tooth decay. The same can also be said for reducing your consumption of foods with a high sugar content like soda and candy.

Incorporate Mouthwash in Your Daily Routine

Using mouthwash is just as important as flossing and brushing your teeth. It not only cleans the parts of your mouth and gums not reached by your toothbrush, but it can also significantly reduce your risk getting of gum disease. When buying mouthwash, make sure you get a brand that offers antibacterial protection and fluoride, as these components aid your teeth in staying healthy. It is also important to note that you can buy non-alcoholic mouthwash if you don’t prefer the burn that comes with rinsing. For non-alcoholic mouthwash, you need to swish the liquid in your mouth for 60 seconds, as opposed to the 30 seconds required by mouthwash with alcohol in it.

Maintaining Clean Teeth can Aid in Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry is designed to improve the overall appearance of your teeth, gums, and bite. This can include teeth whitening services, veneer or denture implementation, and orthodontics. Maintaining clean teeth can make cosmetic dentistry procedures more effective, and ultimately save you money. For example, you could need multiple teeth whitening appointments depending on the condition of your teeth.

Final Thoughts

Practicing good dental hygiene through flossing, using mouth wash, and brushing twice a day with an ADA approved toothbrush can keep anxiety from accompanying you to your next dental appointment. Paired with a healthy diet, this habit can also make cosmetic dentistry procedures more effective and cheaper to receive. If you have any questions about how you can improve your dental hygiene, talk to your family dentist: Lynnwood Dental. We will more be more than happy to help you learn better cleaning techniques.

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