Want the secret to a healthy smile? Our Grand Rapids, MI, dentist suggests you start 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, a regular dental routine 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.
You should always aim to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. This will help keep the dental plaque at bay. In general, we recommend that you make a habit out of brushing 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 and they’re clean prior to putting in any retainers or bite splints.
If you’re currently undergoing clear aligner treatment, you’ll need to brush your teeth after every meal and snack. That way, you don’t trap any food particles against your teeth when you wear your orthodontic aligners again. Also, brush your teeth after drinking anything but water.
In combination with tooth brushing, make sure you also floss at least once a day. This will help remove plaque and food particles that may get caught between your teeth. In case you need help upping your flossing game, here’s how to get started:
Dental 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’s been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). That way, by swishing at least once a day, you’ll be able to fight off cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
We also offer an in-office fluoride treatment if you’re interested. The stronger fluoride concentration can be applied following your teeth cleaning appointment.
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 the cavities.
We recommend that you schedule your teeth cleaning and dental exam 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 by practicing good dental hygiene at home and seeing us for your routine teeth cleanings. But there’s nothing you can do on your own once gingivitis develops into periodontitis. Professional treatment is needed at that point.
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 visit our Grand Rapids dental office 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.
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 or contact us online. We hope we hear from you soon!
This blog has been updated.
