The Dos and Don’ts of Daily Dental Care

The body’s natural defenses, coupled with a daily oral health routine, are well-equipped to keep bacteria under control. When proper dental care isn’t practiced regularly, plaque and tartar can build up on the teeth, resulting in tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health complications.

Today, tooth decay affects 90 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 64, according to an Oral Health in America bulletin. You can prevent tooth decay and other oral health diseases by establishing a stringent dental care routine that helps keep plaque buildup at bay. Follow these dos and don’ts of daily dental care for a beautiful, healthy smile.

The Dos of Daily Dental Care

Don’t underestimate the importance of proper dental care at home. To maintain proper oral care, consider taking the following actions:

• Do make the switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard-bristled brushes can be harsh on the teeth and gums, resulting in tenderness and abrasions.
• Do brush at least two times a day, or after every meal if possible. Ideally, you should brush when you wake in the morning and again before bed.
• Do use the proper flossing technique to achieve a complete clean. Slide a taut, curved piece of floss gently up and down between the teeth.
• Do scrape your tongue. Using a tongue scraper helps remove bacteria and can give you a better sense of taste.
• Do use mouthwash to remove any lingering bacteria and debris in the mouth. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash to prevent drying out your oral tissues.
• Do use an electric toothbrush instead of a manual one. Electric toothbrushes offer superior plaque removal and other perks, such as built-in timers.
• Do take steps to stop bad dental habits like teeth grinding and clenching. Ask your dentist about getting a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth.
• Do drink plenty of water to maintain neutral pH levels in the mouth. Also, rinse your mouth with water after drinking acidic or sugary beverages.
• Do replace your toothbrush approximately every three months or when it shows signs of wear. Using an old toothbrush can harm your teeth.
• Do visit your Clermont dentist every six months for a routine exam and cleaning. At this visit, your dentist will check for tooth decay and other potential issues.

The Don’ts of Daily Dental Care

When practicing proper dental care, there are some actions you should avoid to not harm your smile. Consider the following tips for healthy teeth and gums:

• Don’t brush aggressively. Brushing your teeth too vigorously can wear down the enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to damage.
• Don’t overbrush your teeth. There is such a thing as brushing too much which can increase irritation to the gums, causing bleeding and swelling.
• Don’t skip flossing. Flossing is a critical component of daily dental care and is essential for dislodging food stuck between the teeth.
• Don’t frequently drink highly acidic or sugary beverages. These acids and sugars can eat away at enamel and contribute to tooth decay.
• Don’t ignore tooth pain. Contact your dentist in Clermont FL if you have dental pain that doesn’t subside.
• Don’t use over-the-counter tooth whitening products. These kits often contain highly abrasive ingredients that can thin and weaken tooth enamel.
• Don’t use your teeth as tools. Avoid using your teeth to hold objects, bite your nails, open packages, or similar actions that could cause damage.
• Don’t forget to wear a mouthguard while playing sports. A mouthguard can help protect your smile from hits to the mouth and other accidents.
• Don’t use unapproved oral health care products. Instead, use products that have the ADA Seal of Approval.
• Don’t engage in bad habits that could harm your teeth. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and similar bad habits can increase your risk of tooth decay.

Contact Our Dentist in Clermont

At-home dental care is the foundation of good oral health. However, it’s also important to see your Clermont family dentistry practice on a regular basis to keep your teeth and gums healthy. To schedule an exam or cleaning, or to discuss other oral health concerns, contact the dental experts at Hancock Village Dental at 352-989-5815.