How to Care for Your Teeth Between Professional Dental Cleanings
You know that regular dental cleanings at least twice a year are important for your oral health. These visits offer a chance for your dental care team to remove harmful plaque and tartar from your teeth and assess the overall health of your teeth and gums.
At Dental Studios in Summit and Westfield, New Jersey, our dentists want you to enjoy optimal oral health all year — including between your professional dental cleanings. Here are our top tips for caring for your teeth at home.
Brush and floss
At your professional cleaning, your dental hygienist cleans your teeth and removes harmful plaque and tartar. Brushing twice a day and flossing every day help keep your teeth as clean as possible between dentist visits — and research shows that doing so is good for your overall health, too.
Brushing keeps plaque from building up and turning into difficult-to-remove tartar, and flossing cleans the tough-to-reach places between your teeth. The goal is to avoid letting harmful bacteria take up residence, which can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal disease.
Be sure you’re using the proper techniques to brush and floss, and if you aren’t sure how best to reach certain areas of your mouth, ask your Dental Studios provider for help. For added protection, talk to your dentist about using an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Watch what you eat and drink
The foods you eat dramatically affect the health of your gums and teeth. A healthy diet is also healthy for your mouth, so avoid foods that are high in sugar and processed foods, which come in packages and wraps, as they promote the development of cavities.
Instead, reach for vegetables and fruits high in vitamins and minerals, to boost your oral health. For example, research shows that foods high in vitamin C — like citrus fruits, broccoli, and potatoes — help prevent and even reverse gum disease and gingivitis.
What you drink also affects your oral health and your overall health. Avoid sodas and sugary beverages to minimize your risk of developing cavities and enamel damage. Instead, sip water throughout the day to stay hydrated and to boost your production of salvia, which helps protect your teeth from dangerous bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
Quit smoking
If you smoke, the time between cleanings is a great opportunity to quit. Smokers are about 7 times more likely to develop gum disease and other dental issues than nonsmokers. Using tobacco products also increases your risk of developing oral health problems.
Is it time to schedule your next cleaning?
One of the best things you can do to care for your teeth is to make and keep regular cleaning appointments. Having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year — or more often if your dentist recommends it — helps prevent gum disease and keeps your teeth in tip-top shape.
Schedule your next professional cleaning as soon as your most recent cleaning is complete. These visits give your Dental Studios provider a chance to assess your oral health and look for any signs of trouble.
Get answers about caring for your teeth between professional cleanings or set up a professional cleaning by scheduling an appointment online or over the phone at Dental Studios in Summit or Westfield, New Jersey.