Seeing your Richardson, TX, dentist for checkups and cleanings is an important part of your oral healthcare routine. However, you also need to care for your smile from home, every single day. Routine care helps protect teeth and gums from tooth decay and gum disease, as well as other common oral health issues. Let’s find out what you can do to improve your smile health.
Brushing and Flossing
Each day you need to brush and floss your teeth. You should brush your teeth when you wake up and again before going to bed. Each session should last at least two minutes and use a toothbrush that has soft bristles (to limit potential damage to the outer enamel). We also suggest a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which strengthens outer enamel, and has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance on the packaging. Be wary of whitening toothpastes, as these often contain abrasive agents that could inadvertently damage outer enamel.
You need to floss every night before going to bed. You can use tape, or a floss pick or even a water flosser, as long as you’re cleaning between your teeth, where a toothbrush’s bristle cannot reach. Flossing is essential for avoiding the onset of gingivitis and gum disease.
Tongue Scraping
You may also consider scraping your tongue. We have tongue scrapers available at the office, which are small plastic devices that clean off the bacteria from the tongue, improving oral health while also combating bad breath.
Better Diets
Did you know what you eat and drink impacts more than just your waistline? Food and drinks high in sugar leave behind particles for harmful oral bacteria to break down, a process that leads to the onset of tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. You should add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet, and opt for water instead of sodas, fruit juice, or energy drinks.
Watch for Changes
We suggest seeing us every six months for a checkup and cleaning, as routine checkups enable our team to monitor your smile and cleanings remove plaque, improving oral health. However, if you notice any changes to your smile, be sure to let us know. For example, if your tooth develops tooth sensitivity and toothaches, this could potentially indicate decay or infection. If your gums appear more red than usual, feel sore, or bleed easily, this may mean you have gingivitis or the early stages of gum disease. Don’t ignore these changes, instead see us right away.
Do You Have Questions About Homecare?
We want to help you enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile. For more information on homecare and preventive dentistry, schedule a consultation by calling the Viva Dental Family Dentistry office nearest you at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).
