Top Dental Care Tips From Your Dentist And Hygienist

Having a beautiful smile starts with maintaining healthy gums and teeth. This makes oral hygiene important. A healthy mouth comprises of having stronger gums, fresh breath and white teeth.

Following your dentist and dental hygienist’s advice for maintaining healthy teeth and gums can help you achieve a beautiful smile. Whenever you visit your dentist St Albans, you will have a dental check-up and receive advice on caring for your oral health. However, following these dental care tips given by dental professionals can enhance your oral health and make your next appointment with the dentist go smoothly.

Brush your teeth often and properly

Brushing your teeth is advice you must have heard from when you were still a child. Brushing your teeth a minimum of two times every day is an important and simple way of maintaining your oral health. Ensure you brush your teeth with toothpaste that fights off cavities. Toothpaste containing fluoride will help to strengthen your teeth.

Although brushing in the morning and before going to bed is necessary, you need to brush your teeth properly to enjoy the benefits of brushing your teeth. While brushing, ensure you use gentle and circular motions to clean the teeth surface. Also, brush all corners and the back of the teeth, not only the front. Don’t forget to brush your inner cheeks and tongue as this prevents bad breath.

Floss daily

Dental professionals, including private dentist St Albans, always advise patients to floss daily, but this is one of the most ignored dental care tips. Flossing requires only a couple of seconds, but most people find it difficult to set out time for it.  

Flossing helps to remove lingering food particles between the teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing every day will prevent the accumulation of plaques. Accumulated plaques leave the teeth looking yellow and can cause other severe dental problems like gingivitis.  

You can prevent different dental problems by flossing 1 – 2 times every day. It will take you some minutes and keep your gums and teeth healthy.

Use a fluoride mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth using mouthwash is a simple dental care step to include in your routine. Using a mouthwash is good, but all mouthwashes are not the same. A fluoride-containing mouthwash is preferable.

It helps strengthen your teeth and keep them clean. Aside from strengthening your teeth and keeping them clean, a mouthwash also keeps your breath fresh. Ensure you follow the instruction on the mouthwash, which may include rinsing your mouth once or twice every day.

Increase calcium intake

Calcium is essential in building and strengthening the bones and the teeth. Being deficient in calcium can weaken the teeth and make them sensitive. To prevent teeth sensitivity and dental issues relating to calcium deficiency, ensure you increase your intake of calcium-rich foods or take calcium supplements.

Although calcium supplements provide you with the needed amount of calcium, opt for natural sources of calcium, such as dairy products. If you are lactose-intolerant or a vegan, you can opt for different substitutes for daily products.

Avoid tobacco

Tobacco’s effect on health, especially the lungs, is common knowledge, but most people do not know its effect on the teeth. Whether it is occasional or regular, tobacco use can permanently stain the teeth and erode their surface.  

Even if the effect of tobacco on the teeth is not visible immediately, at some point, you will notice changes in the teeth and may develop other dental issues from it. To prevent tobacco-rated dental issues, cut out tobacco. This does not only benefit your teeth but your general health.  

Limit intake of coffee

Taking coffee often can stain the teeth, and its acid content can eat away the teeth surface. Although avoiding coffee intake is advisable, it may not always be possible, so you can try limiting the amount of coffee taken daily to prevent teeth stains and other damage.  

Limit or avoid taking carbonated beverages

Carbonated beverages, including beers, sparkling water and sodas, can erode the enamel, especially when taken in high amounts. The carbonation in these beverages results from the carbon dioxide been converted to acid in the mouth, which slowly etches the teeth.

As the tooth surface erodes, it continues because the process is irreversible. However, you can prevent further teeth erosion by limiting your carbonated beverages intake and maintaining your oral hygiene routine.  

Eat a well-balanced diet

Having a healthy mouth is connected to a healthy body. Even if you take proper care of your dental health, you still need a healthy body to maintain your oral health. Having sufficient nutrients in your body allows your teeth and gums to get the required nutrients.  

Eating a well-balanced diet containing many vegetables, fruits, calcium, and protein-rich foods can promote your general health.

Most people opt for a high intake of fruit juice to maintain a healthy diet, but fruit juices cause more harm to your teeth. Concentrated fruit juices contain high amounts of acids, which erode the teeth surface. Sometimes, they contain added sugars that harm your oral and general health. Whole vegetables and fruits are preferable to fruit juices.

Stay physically active

Like eating a healthy diet, staying physically active is necessary. Exercising regularly gives a better balance and makes your body healthy. Daily exercise for at least 30 – 60 minutes can keep your body strong, helping it take care of itself.

Have regular dental visits

Regular dental check-ups and exams are an important aspect of your oral hygiene. Regular dental cleaning and check-ups help to maintain your oral health. During your dental cleanings, the hygienist will remove accumulated plaque on your teeth, and you will have a check-up to identify any dental problem before it becomes severe.

If you’re yet to have your routine dental visit, you can schedule an appointment with the best dentist St Albans now. Contact St Albans Dental Clinic to book an appointment with our dentist for your dental cleaning and check-up.