Regular dental cleanings are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but proper oral care between visits is just as important. While your dentist and hygienist do an excellent job removing plaque and tartar buildup during your cleanings, the work doesn't stop there. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent dental problems between appointments. Here’s how to maintain optimal oral health between dental cleanings.
1. Brush Your Teeth Properly Twice a Day
The most important step in maintaining oral health is brushing your teeth correctly. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes, focusing on all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces.
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your gums and enamel. Consider using a fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. If you're not sure if you're brushing correctly, ask your dentist to demonstrate proper technique during your next visit.
2. Floss Daily
Brushing your teeth is important, but it only cleans about 60% of the surfaces of your teeth. The spaces between your teeth are where plaque and food particles can get trapped, leading to plaque buildup and potential cavities. This is why flossing daily is essential for maintaining oral health between cleanings.
Use dental floss or an interdental brush to clean between your teeth. Be gentle to avoid injuring your gums. If you have trouble using traditional floss, there are alternatives like floss picks or water flossers that can be effective as well.
3. Use Mouthwash to Kill Bacteria
Mouthwash is a great way to supplement your daily brushing and flossing routine. It helps kill bacteria, freshen your breath, and reduce plaque buildup. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride to further protect your teeth from decay, or one with antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride to reduce plaque and gum disease.
If you have a specific dental concern, such as gum disease or sensitivity, talk to your dentist about which mouthwash would be best for your needs.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is not only important for your overall health but also for your oral health. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Additionally, staying hydrated promotes the production of saliva, which plays a crucial role in protecting your teeth and gums.
Saliva neutralizes acids in your mouth, preventing tooth erosion and promoting the remineralization of tooth enamel. If you drink sugary drinks or acidic beverages like soda or coffee, be sure to drink water afterward to help neutralize the acids and rinse away any residue.
5. Avoid Sugary Snacks and Drinks
Sugary foods and beverages provide fuel for the bacteria in your mouth, which produce acids that can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Snacking on sugary items or drinking sugary drinks frequently between meals can increase your risk of tooth decay.
If you do consume sugary foods or drinks, try to limit their intake and always rinse your mouth with water afterward. Choose healthier alternatives like fresh fruits, vegetables, or nuts, which are less likely to harm your teeth. Also, avoid sipping sugary drinks throughout the day, as this keeps your teeth constantly exposed to sugar.
6. Don’t Forget Your Tongue
Your tongue can harbor bacteria and food particles, which contribute to bad breath and can increase the risk of oral health problems. Be sure to clean your tongue when brushing your teeth, either by using the bristles of your toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
A clean tongue will not only help prevent bad breath but will also contribute to better overall oral hygiene. If you’re unsure of the best way to clean your tongue, ask your dentist or hygienist for advice during your next visit.
7. Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
Smoking and using tobacco products can significantly harm your oral health. Tobacco stains your teeth, contributes to bad breath, and increases your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Smoking also weakens your immune system, making it harder for your gums to heal if they become inflamed or infected.
If you smoke or use tobacco, it’s highly recommended to quit for the sake of your oral and overall health. Your dentist can provide guidance on how to quit and may offer resources to support your efforts.
8. Use a Straw When Drinking Acidic Beverages
Acidic drinks like citrus juices, soda, and sports drinks can wear down your tooth enamel over time, leading to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities. One way to minimize the damage is by drinking these beverages through a straw, which helps keep the liquid from making direct contact with your teeth.
After drinking acidic beverages, it’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acids and protect your enamel.
9. Maintain a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet is important for your overall health, and it also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to support oral health.
Calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based milks help keep your teeth strong, while vitamin C-rich foods (such as citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers) support gum health. Avoid excessive snacking, especially on sticky or hard-to-clean foods, which can contribute to plaque buildup.
10. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
While maintaining good oral health between cleanings is essential, it’s also important to keep up with regular dental visits. Even if you’re brushing, flossing, and taking care of your teeth at home, regular dental checkups help ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy in the long term.
Your dentist can detect early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health problems that might not be visible or causing symptoms yet. Regular cleanings help remove plaque and tartar that your toothbrush and floss can't, keeping your teeth free from harmful buildup.
Conclusion
Maintaining your oral health between dental cleanings is key to keeping your teeth and gums in top condition. By brushing and flossing properly, using mouthwash, staying hydrated, and following a healthy diet, you can ensure that your teeth stay clean and strong. Avoiding sugary foods, tobacco, and acidic drinks, along with regular visits to your dentist, will help keep you on track for a lifetime of good oral health.