There are many ways you can care for your teeth at home in between cleanings at the dentist. In fact, to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you want to perform teeth cleanings every day. You should brush your teeth two to three times a day and floss at least once or twice a day. That may seem like a lot of work, but here are a few things you can do to keep your teeth pearly white.
Tip #1: Brush at Work
Don’t let food stick around all day. If you know you’ll be eating at work, take a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you. This way you can get a good cleaning in during your lunch break, helping to keep your teeth healthy.
Tip #2: Floss, Floss, Floss
So many people choose to avoid flossing, but this can be a grave mistake. Flossing is one of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums clean. When your food is constantly stuck in between your teeth and it doesn’t get cleaned out regularly, you put yourself at a risk for gum disease, tooth loss, cavities, and gum erosion. Flossing regularly can help you to avoid these issues.
Tip #3: Let Technology Do the Work
We’re not going to lie, flossing is a bit of a hassle and quite frankly, pretty gross. But it’s necessary for a healthy mouth. If you want to get a proper teeth cleaning without all the hassle of flossing, a water pick can help. Water picks gently clean around your gums and in between your teeth without the need for flossing. You should use it in addition to your toothbrush. They can be especially helpful if you wear a permanent retainer or have braces.
Tip #4: Know the Myths
There are many myths about proper teeth cleaning. For example, many people think you should brush your teeth as often as you can. While this may seem like a good idea, it can actually be harmful because frequent brushing could wear your teeth and gums down causing significant erosion and damage. You should brush two to three times a day but only brush more than that if you really have to do. Another popular myth is that white teeth mean healthy teeth. While white teeth may be a positive sign for a healthy smile, it doesn’t necessarily mean your teeth are perfectly healthy, especially with artificial teeth whitening. The best way to get a white, healthy smile is to take care of your teeth.
Tip #5: Visit the Dentist Regularly
While there are many ways you can clean your teeth properly at home, you still want to be sure that you visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and any time a problem arises. Your dentist will be able to uncover issues early on that could hinder your oral health. If you’re in need of a new dentist, Lee Trevino Dental can help. Call us today to schedule your appointment!
