Simple Ways to Take Care of Your Teeth This Summer
A mouth full of healthy teeth is reason enough to smile confidently, and the good news is that this is easily achievable. While it is important to go for a dental checkup often to catch any issues that may start developing, there are other things that you can do by yourself right at home, so your dentist has an easy time and hopefully finds fewer cavities!
You can follow a routine that will enable you to keep your pearly whites and your whole mouth clean and fresh. Here are 10 tips that can help you take great care of your teeth this summer.
10 Tips To Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
- Brush your teeth every night: Always brush your teeth before going to bed because this removes the plaque and germs that have accumulated through the day. The best practice is to brush twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, so try and follow this guideline as often as you can. If you can do it daily, your teeth will thank you for it!
- Use fluoride toothpaste: Use a toothpaste with fluoride, which is more important than whitening agents and flavors. While it has been in the limelight of late for its impact on overall health, it remains a powerful agent against tooth decay. It fights germs that can cause tooth decay and provides your teeth with a protective barrier.
- Brush correctly: Use gentle, circular motions to remove plaque and food particles and take your time. If left on your teeth, plaque hardens into tartar buildup may lead to early gum disease.
- Brush your tongue: Don’t forget about your tongue! While brushing your teeth removes plaque and bacteria from your teeth, there are still bacteria on your tongue and around the rest of your mouth.
- Floss daily: Floss once a day as well to reduce plaque, stimulate your gums, and lower the risk of inflammation in your gums. For adults with arthritis or young children, there are tools available like ready-to-use dental flosses.
- Use mouthwash: Add mouthwash to your oral routine because it helps clean hard-to-brush areas around the gums and also reduces the number of acids in the mouth from beverages.
- Reduce sugar intake: Cut down on sugary and acidic foods because acid erodes your enamel, leading to cavities. Sugar and carbohydrates also serve as food for the bacteria in your mouth, which produce acids as they digest those sugars.
- Hydrate: Drinking water is important, especially during the hot summer months. Drink a lot of water, especially after every meal. It will help dilute the sugar and acidity from acidic beverages and foods before it’s time to brush again.
- Eat more fruits and veggies: Eat more crunchy fruits and vegetables because fresh produce not only gives you more healthy fiber but also strengthens the teeth and contains no processed sugar.
- Visit your dentist: Last but not least, make sure to see your dentist at least once every six months. Even if you brush and floss regularly as you should, some issues may still crop up and the dentist will be able to suggest timely solutions before the problems get out of hand. A dentist will also clean your teeth and remove tartar that you can’t remove on your own.
Seek Advice and Follow Instructions From Your Dentist
Taking care of your teeth is the best defense you have against cavities, and the fact that you can do it in a total of two minutes each day should be motivating enough. Your dentist can also help you pick the best toothbrush and toothpaste for your needs, especially if you have sensitive teeth.
Make sure to seek advice as well before trying out over-the-counter teeth-whitening products because some bleaching agents may damage your gums and the inside of your mouth.
If you are in Loudoun County, VA, you can visit Loudoun Dental Associates for a dental checkup and solutions to any dental issues you may be facing. Compassionate and professional, we will be sure to walk with you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.