Regular dental care is an important part of your oral health as well as your health overall, but your dentist can’t always be by your side to tell you how to take care of your teeth. In between your cleanings and checkups, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are five things your dentist likely wants you to remember in between visits:
1. How to Properly Brush
Remember to brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day. Don’t slack off on the job! Brushing helps to keep your teeth clean, ward off decay by reducing plaque and tartar, and keeps your breath fresh. You can even brush your tongue if you’d like to get your mouth extra clean.
Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush for at least two minutes, and make sure you get all of the surfaces of your teeth! Stay way from harder toothbrushes; the bristles could scratch and eventually wear down your tooth enamel. And don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every six months!
2. Floss, Floss, Floss!
Flossing is an incredibly important part of your dental routine. It’s best to floss before brushing, so you can loosen up more tartar and plaque and also get the bristles to reach between your teeth. Flossing also helps to strengthen your gums and this ward off gum disease.
3. Use a Fluoride Rinse
Using a mouthwash containing fluoride after brushing can help eliminate bacteria and also strengthen your enamel. Fluoride can help prevent the onset of decay and cavities.
4. Get Help for Grinding
Grinding your teeth at night can lead to a slew of unpleasant effects on your health. If you’re waking up with headaches and jaw pain, you might be clenching or grinding your teeth in your sleep. This can lead to TMJ problems, chips in your teeth, and the wearing down and weakening of the surface of your teeth. Your dentist can help you by creating a mouth guard for you to wear at night.
5. Don’t Skip Your Cleaning
Preventive care is key! Even if you’re not so keen on your dental visits, it’s worth it to endure a bit of scraping and poking in order to avoid trouble down the line. You’ll save yourself time, money, and discomfort by having a regular checkup.
Schedule an appointment
If you have more questions about your dental health, contact Levan Dental Group at 734-464-8020 or click here. We are here to help you achieve optimal dental health.