Taking great care of your teeth and gums is more than merely brushing your teeth. Once you get in the habit of two minutes, twice a day, there are more things you can do to benefit your smile. Here are a few to get you started:
Floss: Flossing is a great partner to brushing, and should be done once a day for 2-3 minutes. This will remove food particles and debris from in between your teeth. If conventional floss is difficult for you, talk to Dr. Roderick S. Cooper about other approved interdental cleaning options, such as water flossers, or floss for sensitive gums.
Eat Well: Make it easier to clean your mouth by giving it good tooth-healthy fuel in the first place! Choose nutrient-dense whole foods, with lots of protein, calcium, phosphorous, and vitamins. Avoid frequently eating foods with a lot of sugar or acid, as that could be damaging to your teeth.
Chew Gum: To help prevent cavities, chew sugar-free gum after eating, for 20 minutes. This stimulates saliva production, thus helping to clean teeth and neutralize damaging acids in teeth. Saliva also delivers fortifying substances to the mouth, strengthening tooth enamel.
Mouthwash: Mouthwash may be a good addition to your oral hygiene routine. Therapeutic mouthwash, available over-the-counter, helps by killing bacteria and washing away food particles and other debris in the mouth. (Cosmetic mouthwashes, however, only freshen breath temporarily and should be avoided.) Read the warning labels, and never give mouthwash to children under 6.
Of course, you should shore up your at-home habits with visits to the dentist 2 times a year. This helps keep teeth clean, and helps catch any problems early. This can help avoid major dental emergencies. If you are in the Tucker, Georgia area, be sure to call Bella Dental to set an appointment! Dr. Roderick S. Cooper and our team will be happy to help you!