Top 12 Dental Care Tips for Better Oral Hygiene

Everyone knows how important it is to keep your teeth healthy but did you know that if you have your natural teeth, you can extend your lifespan by at least ten years. Keeping your teeth healthy is no easy task, and that’s why we’re going to discuss things you can do to increase better your odds of keeping your teeth for a lifetime.

We’re so excited to share with you the Top 12 Dental Care Tips by the Dental Professionals at Living Well Dental Group.

Tip #1: Brush 2 Times a Day

This is one of the best teeth care tips at home. Brushing two times a day will keep plaque and bacteria from hardening onto your teeth and causing gingivitis or periodontal disease.

If we had to pick, the most important time to brush your teeth is right before you go to bed. You do not salivate as much while you are sleeping; therefore, any plaque or bacteria left on your teeth when you go to bed can cause more damage.

It’s very important to brush your teeth for two full minutes 2 times a day to remove as much plaque and bacteria as possible. If plaque stays on your teeth for 24 hours, it turns to calculus, which needs to be professionally removed at your dental cleaning by your Dental Hygienist.

Tip #2: Use a Fluoridated Toothpaste

When visiting the toothpaste aisle at your local grocery store, don’t get overwhelmed with all of the toothpaste choices. The most important ingredient is Fluoride. This is your leading defense against tooth decay. Look for the one with Fluoride and add in any special ingredients like tooth whitening or tartar control that you may want.

Tip #3: Only Use a Soft Toothbrush

Whether you’re using a manual or electric toothbrush, when it’s time to replace it– only buy a soft toothbrush. Harder bristled toothbrushes can damage gum tissue and cause gum recession, which is costly to repair. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months or sooner if you become sick.

Tip #4: Do the Fluoride Treatment!

Your Dental Professional will offer you a fluoride treatment after they’re done cleaning your teeth. Fluoride treatments are good for kids and adults. If you’ve had dental work done in the past, the fluoride treatment will help protect the areas around your new dental work and teeth. It’s a GREAT way to protect your investment.

It’s also helpful to prevent cavities in areas where you have not had any dental work done. Professional Fluoride treatments can reduce your need for further dental treatment by 15%.

Tip #5: Cut Down on Sugary Drinks and Snacking

It’s important not to consume too many sugary drinks and snacks throughout the day. Every time you put something in your mouth, it is in an acidic state for 20 minutes. During the acidic state, it is easier for cavities to occur. Some people like to sip on coffee, tea, or soda throughout the day, which is bad for your teeth and gums.

Tip #6: Drink Lots of Water

Water is a great way to rinse and clean your teeth when your toothbrush is not available. If you’re at work and don’t have access to your toothbrush, drink some water to help clean your teeth. Remember always to finish a meal with a glass of water.

Tip #7: Clean your Tongue

Something that people don’t necessarily consider when thinking about teeth care is brushing their tongue. There are tiny hairs on your tongue that harbor food and bacteria, which can be a bad breath source. You should brush your tongue daily just like you would your teeth. They sell specialized tools to clean your tongue called “tongue scrapers,” although they are unnecessary. Your toothbrush and toothpaste can do the job.

Tip #8: Use a Fluoridated Mouthwash Daily

Using a fluoridated mouthwash daily can protect your dental health by helping to prevent tooth decay. This is a great dental tip, especially for those that are cavity prone. Adding a daily fluoridated mouthwash to your routine can decrease your chances of getting cavities.

Tip #9: Invest in an Electric Toothbrush

Yes, Dental Professionals use them and love them. When using an electric toothbrush, let the toothbrush do the work for you. Treat your electric toothbrush like a Zamboni or Street Sweeper for your teeth. Walk it slowly around your teeth and allow it to do the brushing for you. Do not scrub your teeth with an electric toothbrush, or you can damage your gum tissue. Do your research to determine which brand of an electric toothbrush will best fit your needs. We do recommend these key features:

• Timer (make sure it has a 2 minute time);
• Pressure sensor (the sensor recognizes if you’re applying too much pressure and alerts you – this is great for those of us that brush too hard);
• Electric/rechargeable models only (no battery, only toothbrushes -they lose their efficiency the minute you turn them on).

Tip #10: Floss Daily – Just Do It!

This is one dental tip Dental Professionals harp on far too often, but it’s key to keeping your teeth for a lifetime. We find that patients are too concerned with when to floss rather than just doing it. Don’t get hung up on whether to brush then floss or floss then brush – just do it!

Floss once a day when it’s convenient for you. It shouldn’t take more than 1 minute – so if you’re spending more time than that, ask a Dental Professional for help with your flossing technique.

Remember this flossing tip– just do it!

Tip #11: Eat a Tooth-Friendly Diet

Foods that don’t stick to your teeth are considered tooth-friendly. Examples are carrots, apples, and nuts. These foods can be easily washed off your teeth with a simple glass of water. Yogurt is another great tooth-friendly food. It’s high in calcium, which helps to keep teeth strong.

Tip #12: Visit Your Dentist Regularly

The BEST dental hygiene tip we can give is to visit your dentist regularly. Regular Dental Check-ups and dental cleanings are the most important thing you can do to ensure that you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

These check-ups will help to minimize the chances of any major dental work by catching things early. The professional dental cleanings will clean areas around your teeth that your toothbrush or floss can’t reach. Visiting your dentist regularly is imperative to keeping your teeth for a lifetime.

Ways to Tell Your Dental Routine Is Working

• Gums are not red or bleeding;
• Teeth don’t feel “fuzzy”;
• Breath smells good.

Conclusion

A dental routine or plan is best when it’s one you can maintain. Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many tips to add your dental routine at once. Check off the ones you already do and add one a month. Soon it will become part of your oral hygiene habit, and your teeth will thank you for it!

Tips by Naperville’s Best Dental Experts

These are all great dental tips, but nothing compares to a customized dental routine by the Professionals at Living Well Dental Group. Schedule an appointment today and let us customize an oral hygiene routine the best helps you maintain your teeth for a lifetime. Reach out to us online or call today at 630-505-1516.