How To Take Care of Your Teeth in Between Dental Checkups

Taking care of your teeth doesn’t only keep your dental and oral health in check, but it also improves your overall health.

Many Canadians already know this since nearly three-quarters of the population, or 74.7 percent have seen a dental professional from 2018 to 2019.

But, outside of visits to your usual Hamilton dental office or the rare surgery covered by your provincial health insurance plan, caring for your dental and oral health is something you need to do every day.

Brush Properly

Brushing one’s teeth is the most basic tenet of dental hygiene. However, it is critical to do it correctly and at the right frequency. Many dentists recommend brushing teeth around twice a day.

It’s also important to employ proper tooth brushing techniques. Using a toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, cover every surface of your teeth while brushing in circular motions at a 45-degree angle.

Remember To Floss

Flossing isn’t optional for proper dental care. It’s essential to ensure your mouth and teeth are clean and free from debris that might harbour bacteria or develop into plaque. It also stimulates the gums and reduces inflammation.

If regular flossing is difficult for you due to mobility issues, you can also use flossing tools that are easier to control, especially for children or the elderly.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

There are many toothpaste options on the market, and any one of them could be suitable for daily brushing, as long as your choice contains fluoride.

Fluoride has become a mainstay of mainstream oral hygiene due to its capability to protect teeth from cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. Aside from toothpaste, fluoride can also come in drinking water, mouthwash, or professional dental treatments.

Keep Dental Appliances Clean

If you wear braces, retainers, or dentures, you must ensure their cleanliness every day.

Upon getting them, your dentist will likely provide you with instructions for their use and maintenance. Take care to follow these instructions to ensure that they work correctly and well enough for the duration of your treatment.

Braces might require a more involved cleaning process. Retainers and dentures should also be brushed regularly or soaked in a cleaning solution.

Limit Sugar and Acid Intake

There are no “bad” foods, provided you consume them in moderation. However, some foods could be especially harmful to your teeth when eaten too much or without proper oral hygiene.

Sugary and acidic foods are the most common culprits of tooth decay. Sugars turn into acid in your mouth, which could wear down your tooth enamel and make you more vulnerable to cavities.

You don’t need to cut off these substances completely, but it is essential to be mindful when enjoying sweet or acidic foods and beverages.

Schedule Your Dental Appointments

No matter how well you maintain personal dental hygiene, it is still essential to see your dentist at least twice a year. Regular dental checkups guarantee that your teeth are in good condition and allow dentists to address specific issues as they arise.

Dental checkups usually only take up a few hours out of your year. Most of the time, your dental health will rely on your efforts. Take care to follow these tips and listen to your dentist’s advice to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.