Oral Healthcare at Home: Here’s What You Need to Know

You’ve probably heard your whole life that routine dental appointments are important. These integral visits prevent and detect dental problems before they become more severe, which is why it’s recommended to see your dentist in Rowlett biannually. But what should you be doing to keep your mouth healthy during the other 363 days of the year? Keep reading to learn some of the best steps you can take to care for your smile while away from the dentist!

Turn Brushing and Flossing into a Routine

Your at-home routine is one of the most important ways you can keep your mouth healthy. It’s vital to brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each session to provide your smile with a thorough cleaning. Flossing is also incredibly important because it removes plaque, bacteria, and food debris from in between teeth. Before bed is a great time to floss your teeth, giving yourself a fresh smile without any food lingering into the next day.

After you’ve brushed and flossed, you can even finish off your routine with a rinse of non-alcoholic mouthwash. There are areas of your mouth that your brushing and flossing can’t reach, which is where mouthwash can help rinse away bacteria.

Use Products with Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can actually strengthen and protect your teeth. Be sure that the toothpaste you’re buying contains fluoride, and you should also switch to tap water instead of bottled. Most tap water contains fluoride, so even rinsing your mouth out with it after a sugary snack is beneficial.

Eat Tooth-Friendly Snacks

A healthy smile starts with what you eat. Foods rich in sugar like candy or soda can increase your risk of decay dramatically. Sticky candy or starches that get stuck in your teeth will especially put you at risk of cavities because they stay in contact with your teeth for longer periods of time. Instead of sugary snacks, try eating foods that promote positive oral health.

Fibrous fruits and veggies act as natural toothbrushes because they increase saliva flow and their crunchiness can wash away plaque and bacteria. You can also eat low-fat dairy products because they tend to be rich in calcium, a mineral that can help strengthen your tooth enamel.

Avoid Using Tobacco

Lastly, if you needed another reason to quit cigarettes, smoking and other tobacco use can seriously affect your smile. These products not only cause yellowing and discoloration, but they put you at risk of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and even more oral health issues.

Are you ready to care for your smile like a pro? Follow these tips from your family dentist in Rowlett to keep your teeth and gums in shape when out of the office.

About the Practice

At Rowlett Dental Associates, we have a team of 3 expert dentists who care for patients of all ages. We want you to know that dentistry doesn’t stop when you leave our office, so even during your busy life, it’s important to take some time to care for your oral health. If you have any questions, we can be contacted through our website or by phone at (469) 299-8462.