Hygiene and Dental Home Care
Preventative dental care is a bedrock of good oral health. In addition to visiting your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings, brushing and flossing your teeth every day can keep decay and gum disease at bay. Sikora Family Dentistry provides some tips for proper dental home care that can help keep your mouth healthy and enhance your smile.
Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day
Most people are aware that brushing your teeth twice a day is a must, but did you know that how you brush and the duration of time you brush matters as well? Adults and children three years of age and older should use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to thoroughly but gently brush all surfaces of the teeth for two minutes. Children under three should use toothpaste without fluoride until they are able to stop swallowing when brushing. Assisting young children with brushing their teeth helps kids prevent cavities and learn good habits.
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and gently brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth, using a back-and-forth motion. Tilt your toothbrush vertically and brush using up-and-down motions to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth. Using a powered toothbrush can make the process easier (and more fun!). Regardless of the type of brush you use, make sure to replace it every three months.
Clean Between Teeth Daily
Bacteria linger between teeth, even after you brush. Daily use of dental floss and small interdental brushes to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and under the gum line can increase your chances of preventing decay and gum disease.
Use Mouthwash
Antimicrobial mouthwash and fluoride rinses add an extra layer of protection that can help prevent cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. If you don’t like the burning sensation of rinses that contain alcohol, there are plenty of ADA-approved rinses that contain other ingredients that are just as effective at killing bacteria.
Eat A Well-Balanced Diet
Another vital element of good dental care is limiting food and drinks that are high in sugars and starches. It’s also important to go easy on acidic foods and drinks such as wine, soda, tea, coffee, and citrus fruits and juices. While an occasional sweet treat is okay, eating plenty of whole grains, protein, vegetables, and fruit supports oral health, and it’s great for your immune system and overall health as well.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Staying hydrated benefits the whole body, but it is also essential for a healthy mouth. Water dilutes acids that harm tooth enamel and washes away food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Drinking water combats dry mouth, which is a common side effect of many prescription and over-the-counter medications. Most municipal water systems contain fluoride, which helps to strengthen and restore tooth enamel.
See Drs. Sikora For Preventative Dental Care
At Sikora Family Dentistry, we care about you and are dedicated to helping you improve and preserve your oral health. Visiting us every six months for preventative dental care like dental cleanings, checkups, and fluoride treatments can help to ensure the early detection of cavities, gum disease, and other issues.
Our staff is happy to answer any questions you may have about proper dental home care. We’re passionate about providing patients of all ages with the tools and knowledge and quality care they need to maintain healthy, beautiful smiles.
Contact Us To Schedule An Appointment Today
Our team at Sikora Family Dentistry offers friendly, quality dental care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. To learn more about dental home care and all the services we offer, contact us online or call 440-779-8730 today to schedule an appointment. We’re proud to serve families in North Olmsted, OH and surrounding areas.