Optimal Oral Health with Your Dentist in Charlotte, NC
Brushing and flossing every day are staples to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, you can do other things that will benefit your overall well-being. Please read below for our ten oral health tips.
#1 BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY
We recommend the 2×2 rule, which is brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush for two minutes twice a day to help keep plaque at bay. Brush with fluoride toothpaste and proper techniques using small circular motions. Give your tongue a nice scrub to keep bad breath away.
#2 FLOSS DAILY
Before brushing, remember to floss your teeth nightly to dislodge any food your toothbrush can’t reach. Skipping this step will leave small food particles that can eventually decay and cause oral health problems.
#4 BIANNUAL DENTAL VISITS
Regular six-month dental visits will allow your dentist in Charlotte to catch issues before they take hold. You’ll benefit from a thorough professional cleaning to remove plaque and hardened tartar buildup to prevent decay. Your hygienist will finish by buffing and polishing your teeth for a sparkly smile.
#5 MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET
A bad diet is a severe factor in tooth decay. Avoid foods and drinks that are sugar-laden for your long-term dental health. Eat an unprocessed diet high in calcium to support strong and healthy teeth and bones. Consider eating more leafy greens and cruciferous veggies, almonds, yogurt, and cheese.
#3 REPLACE FRAYED TOOTHBRUSHES
When toothbrush bristles start to fray, they don’t clean the tooth’s surface correctly and can damage your gums. In general, you should change your toothbrush every 3 to 6 months. Always rinse your toothbrush well and store it upright to dry completely.
#6 USE DENTAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS
Brushing and flossing regularly are fundamental to preventive dental health. But you can go above and beyond by incorporating different aids into your routine. Mouthwash, oral irrigators, interdental cleaners, and tongue cleaners are great hygiene products that help support good oral health. Just remember that you should use them in addition to regular brushing and flossing.
#9 CONSIDER DENTAL SEALANTS
Dental sealants fill in the grooves of your molars and premolars to protect your teeth from cavities. Everyone can benefit from sealants, but children and teens are the best candidates. They often don’t brush as thoroughly as adults.
#7 KEEP HYDRATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Staying hydrated is great for the full function of your body. But did you know that it helps maintain healthy saliva flow by moving food particles through your mouth? It prevents food from sticking in your teeth, where bacteria can grow.
#8 STOP SMOKING
Smoking stains your teeth and creates severe health issues like gum disease, leading to tooth loss and even oral cancer. The best thing you could do to care for your teeth and the overall health of you and your family is to quit smoking immediately.
#10 EXAMINE REGULARLY
While regular checkups with your dentist in Charlotte are an excellent preventive measure, issues can still develop between visits. Be aware of the inside of your mouth as part of your oral care routine. Maybe something seems unusual? This information should be shared with your dentist in Charlotte at your next appointment.
Visit Your Dentist in Charlotte
In Charlotte, NC, Midtown General & Cosmetic Dentistry has years of experience. We are here to guide you with the best dental practices to maintain your oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile. Schedule an appointment today.
