We all know that it’s important to go to the dentist to keep your teeth healthy and clean, but what are you really supposed to be doing in the time that you are not at the dentist? How can you keep your dental care up to par until you can make it back for your next appointment?
Here, we’ll break down the top 5 dental care tips that you should know to keep your teeth in tip-top shape even when you aren’t at the dentist. Read on to learn more!
1. Brush Your Teeth
Of course, brushing your teeth is the number one thing you can do to keep your teeth looking bright and sparkly. Brushing your teeth can help to remove plaque from the outer surface of your teeth and prevent cavities.
Don’t forget to brush your teeth twice a day – once when you wake up first thing in the morning and once right before you go to bed. Brush your teeth for two minutes at a time and protect your teeth from acids and sugars that build up!
2. Floss
Yes, what your dentist has been telling you is true. Flossing is necessary for top-notch dental care. Flossing allows you to clean the parts of your teeth that your toothbrush can’t quite reach.
TIny bits of food can easily get caught in the tiny spaces between your teeth, so flossing daily can help you to keep the spaces around your teeth clean and your breath smelling fresh.
3. Cut Back on Sugar
Sugar is the number one culprit in tooth decay. Excess sugar can increase bacterial growth and acidity in your mouth, leading to plaque formation.
While you don’t have to cut out sugar altogether, reducing your sugar intake can help improve your dental hygiene.
4. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Unfortunately, toothbrushes don’t last forever. After a couple of months, the bristles on your toothbrush start to wear out, and the brush becomes less effective.
It’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush (or your toothbrush head) every 3 to 4 months to get the best possible clean every time. Dentists like those at the Radiant Dental Studio can help you to learn more about what toothbrush is right for you and the care you need! Click here to learn more.
5. Quit Smoking
If you’re still smoking, here’s just another reason to quit. Smoking is a major cause of gum and periodontal disease, which can cause inflammation around the tooth.
Even if you are a smoker, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of getting gum disease or mouth cancer. It will also help prevent significant dental or medical bills, saving you lots of money.
Important Dental Care Steps
While obviously going to the dentist is crucial to your oral care routine (and none of these things excuse you from your regular trip to the dentist), there is plenty that you can do to keep your teeth healthy in between appointments. Stay on top of your dental care to stay healthy and keep your teeth looking sparkly!
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