Taking care of your teeth and gums at home is so important to your long-term oral health. Our Toluca Lake dentist office is here to help make sure that you get the most out of your everyday dental hygiene routine. So take a look at this brief overview of at-home dental care tips in order to supercharge your smile for the new year!
The number one goal when caring for your teeth at home is to discourage and minimize the amount of bacterial build-up in your mouth. Now, oral bacteria are always multiplying on your teeth and gums, because they feed on the very foods and drinks that we consume in order to live!
In order to keep oral bacteria in check (and hopefully keep them from growing out of control) we have to:
Brush our teeth at least twice a day—use a toothbrush that fits easily into the back corners of your mouth, and gently buff bacteria from your enamel and gum tissue. Brush for at least two minutes in the morning and night. Talk to your dentist if you are unsure about what type of toothbrush/toothpaste you should be using.
Floss every single day—so many of us are skipping this crucial step! However, flossing is necessary to clear plaque from between your teeth and along your gum tissue. This helps to prevent cavities from occurring between your teeth, and it also discourages harmful gum disease.
Drink up that healthy water—if you are not getting enough water, your mouth is going to feel dry, because you will not be producing enough saliva. Unfortunately, a dry mouth is an ideal environment for harmful oral bacteria. Saliva helps to neutralize bacteria and remineralize teeth—so drink plenty of water!
Stay tuned for more simple and daily tips that can improve your oral hygiene routine. Our Toluca Lake dentist office is here to help you achieve and maintain oral health!