A twice-yearly dental cleaning is always an important part of maintaining good oral health. But what do you do for the rest of the year? How do you keep your teeth looking and feeling their best for an easy and painless checkup? There are a number of things you can to keep your teeth clean and healthy from the inside out.
Regular Brushing
You’ve probably heard your dentist tell you to brush your teeth twice a day. This is the most basic step for a healthy mouth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride toothpaste. If possible, it can be good to brush your teeth after every meal, not just twice a day. Food particles sitting on the teeth lead to tooth decay, so brushing them away as soon as possible is always best.
Flossing and Mouthwash
Flossing and mouthwash are two useful additional daily hygiene steps to add to your routine. You should do each at least once a day. Floss is mostly personal preference, but be sure to use an alcohol mouthwash with fluoride, to kill bacteria and slow decay.
Chewing Gum
Sometimes it can be hard to fit brushing into your busy schedule, particularly after meals in the middle of the day. While it’s no substitute for actual brushing, chewing gum after meals can actually help clean your teeth. The sticky gum can pull food particles off of your teeth. Chewing gum also stimulates saliva production, which helps wash things like sugar out of your mouth. Make sure to choose a sugar-free gum – a sugary gum can only accelerate tooth decay. Xylitol is a popular gum sweetener that is safe for teeth.
Eating Well
Cleaning teeth can do a lot, but there’s no point if the teeth aren’t healthy on the inside. Your diet can have a real impact on your teeth. Sugary foods and drinks, of course, can cause or accelerate tooth decay. Some foods, though, can do your teeth a world of good. Dairy products are rich in calcium to strengthen teeth and bones. Leafy greens are packed with nutrients, including folic acid, which can help reduce gum inflammation. Apples and celery can actually help clean teeth – their crunchy texture and high water content scrape food particles off the surfaces of teeth and stimulate saliva production.
Schedule a Consultation
If you want advice on how best to care for your teeth, Barataria Dental are always happy to help. To schedule an appointment to discuss your dental health needs contact our office at 504.358.8632 or online.