Good oral health and dental hygiene are surefire ways to attain healthy teeth and gums. At Comprehensive Dental Care, our goal is to provide our patients with the knowledge and dental care needed for a happy and healthy mouth. Our Gainesville dentists provide preventive and restorative dental procedures to ensure the best oral healthcare for you and your family. Contact us today to schedule a dental consultation!
Upgrade Your Toothbrush
Your toothbrush does a lot of heavy lifting regarding your oral hygiene. As such, you should be mindful of replacing it every 3–4 months or after recovering from a sickness. Upgrading your toothbrush to an electric toothbrush can also help make it easier to brush better. Electric toothbrushes pack a punch on plaque, making the time spent brushing your teeth more effective. Additionally, you’ll only need to switch out the toothbrush head when it’s time to get a new brush. Just don’t use the brush while it’s on to clean your gums, as this can be too abrasive.
Use A Fluoride Mouthwash
Some people brush after each meal, but this isn’t necessary and can damage the enamel of your teeth if you eat or drink something with high acidity, such as orange juice or tomato-based foods. Acidic foods and drinks soften the enamel, making it susceptible to damage during brushing. Instead, rinse with a fluoride mouthwash after meals. Rinsing with fluoride will help protect your enamel, remove food particles, and inhibit plaque accumulation.
Be Mindful Of What Goes In
Candy is a delicious treat, but it’s important not to overindulge when it comes to sugary snacks. Sugar can erode your enamel and lead to tooth decay, also known as cavities. You should also avoid smoking of any kind and limit alcohol consumption, as both can dehydrate your mouth and make it more susceptible to damage. However, what you don’t put into your mouth is just as important as what you do! Fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as celery and apples, can help clean your mouth and keep it hydrated.
Get Regular Dental Check-Ups
We suggest scheduling a dental check-up once every six months to ensure that your mouth is healthy and that nothing needs to be changed in your oral hygiene routine. You can also have teeth cleaning and teeth whitening performed during these check-ups to ensure your brightest and healthiest smile for years to come! Contact Comprehensive Dental Care today to schedule your next dental check-up appointment.
Floss Properly
It’s important to floss at least once a day to hit the areas between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. To floss properly, gently slide the string between each tooth and curve it into a C-shape so that it fits easily between the tooth and gum line. Be careful not to wedge the string into your gum — the floss should only come into contact with your teeth. If you have braces, you’ll need a special threader to get the floss behind the wire and between each bracket. You should also floss before brushing to loosen plaque so it can be brushed away, rather than sitting there until the next brushing.