5 Tips for Good Dental Hygiene at Home
Want the secret to a healthy smile? It starts by practicing good . Taking care of your teeth and gums is a form of self-care that helps protect your oral health in the long run. For example, good dental hygiene will help you avoid issues such as bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
Here’s what you need to know about practicing good dental hygiene at home.
1.) Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. This will help keep the dental plaque at bay. We recommend that you make a habit out of brushing your teeth in the morning and at night.
It’s especially important that you brush your teeth before you go to bed. That way, you won’t be bathing your teeth in sugar while you sleep.
2.) Floss Once a Day
Make sure you floss your teeth once a day. This will help remove plaque and food particles that may get caught between your teeth.
3.) Use a Fluoride Mouth Rinse
Fluoride helps strengthen and remineralize your teeth over time. This is especially helpful against acid attacks from plaque.
If we notice a lot of , Dr. Nichols may recommend that you add a fluoride mouth rinse to your oral hygiene routine. That way, you’ll be able to avoid cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
We also offer an in-office fluoride treatment.
4.) Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
A healthy diet will help you maintain good oral health and overall wellbeing. But keep in mind that some foods can be misleading.
For example, many sports drinks and yogurts contain a high amount of sugar despite being advertised as “healthy.” Be sure to always check the nutritional label for the sugar content per serving.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying sugary treats as long as you eat them in moderation and practice good oral hygiene. That way, you can satisfy your sweet tooth and avoid cavities.
5.) Don’t Skip Teeth Cleaning Appointments
We recommend that you schedule your teeth cleaning and oral examination at least every 6 months. That way, we’ll be able to catch oral health issues before they have the opportunity to worsen.
For example, you can reverse gingivitis by practicing good dental hygiene at home and seeing us for your routine teeth cleanings. But there’s nothing you can do once gingivitis develops into periodontitis.
During your appointment, we’ll examine the inside of your mouth and possibly take dental X-rays. If Dr. Nichols detects an issue, he’ll recommend an appropriate course of treatment to restore your oral health.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to see our dentist more often for preventive care. For example, Dr. Nichols may need to monitor patients more closely if they have periodontitis or some other condition that compromises their oral health.
Learn More About Dental Hygiene
Dr. Michael Nichols is a trusted . As such, he and his team would be more than happy to help you maintain a healthy smile for life! To schedule an appointment, call Nichols Family Dentistry at (616) 333-8496. We hope we hear from you soon!