Proper oral care is imperative for healthy teeth and gums, including daily flossing and brushing. Preventative dentistry gives you the best opportunity for a beautiful and healthy smile. Here are some oral care tips for maintaining your smile healthy:
Brush Your Teeth and Tongue 2x Daily
Apply fluoride toothpaste on your soft-bristled toothbrush for a gentle brushing process. When you brush, ensure that your toothbrush is placed at a 45-degree angle toward your gums because this helps sweep away bacteria and plaque at the gum line. Also, make sure to brush all teeth surfaces, including the sides and backs. Moreover, your tongue stores bacteria like a sponge, so aim to brush it along with your teeth. You may also use a tongue scraper in the oral care aisle besides a toothbrush.
Don’t Neglect Flossing
Most of us cannot reach the areas between our teeth by brushing only. To clean those areas, we need to floss our teeth. To do this, take a floss piece about 18 inches long and wrap each end around your middle fingers. Wrap the floss tightly around one tooth in a C shape and clean it up and down 10 times. Alternatively, you may use water flossers. Even though they are great for eliminating large pieces of food and debris, they cannot eliminate the biofilm from your teeth surfaces. So, make sure to use traditional floss, too.
Use Antibacterial Mouthwash Every Day
Besides brushing and flossing, antibacterial mouthwash keeps harmful oral bacteria at bay. Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash reduces plaque buildup. Be sure to prevent dry mouth by selecting an alcohol-free formula.
Visit Your Dentist Routinely
Regular visits to your dental provider are vital for excellent oral care. Most people do well with 6-month visits. However, you might need more frequent dental appointments if you are susceptible to cavities, gum disease, or other dental health problems.
Limit Smoking and Using Other Tobacco Products
It’s best to avoid smoking and using other tobacco products altogether. If you currently smoke and would like to quit, ask your medical provider about treatment options that may help.
Transform Your Smile with Annapolis Dental Care
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, your dentist in Annapolis is here to serve! Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. Please give us a call at 410-267-0766 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! We are always looking for new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!