Maintaining your dental health between cleanings at the dentist’s office is extremely important. That’s why in this blog, we’re going to explain exactly how you can maintain it, especially between visits. 

The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings

Dental health should not be something that you turn your nose to. Whether you’re young or old, taking care of your teeth and gums is extremely important. Regular trips to the dentist for cleanings are a vital aspect in oral care that you should be sure to schedule. These cleanings are designed to remove built-up plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, that routine brushing and flossing can’t always remove completely.. 

The removal of unwanted bacteria from regular checkups and cleanings also helps to prevent tooth decay and gum. The longer you wait between regular cleanings, the worse your checkups can be when you do end up going. Keep a routine to prevent yourself from feeling future mouth pain.

Daily Oral Hygiene Practices

Taking care of both your teeth AND your gums should be a daily commitment added to your routine. Brushing your teeth should occur twice a day, and flossing at least once. Doing so prevents unwanted bacteria from forming in your mouth, like we talked about previously. 

Brushing your teeth is something you should be doing twice daily, but are you sure you know the proper way to brush your teeth? Start with gentle, circular motions and brush every single tooth front, bottom, and behind. Sometimes, the gum line can be extremely sensitive, but make sure to never skip brushing that as well since plaque accumulates on them and in every crevice of your mouth.

We know that flossing can be annoying, and more times than not, a lot of people do not do it regularly. However,  flossing is crucial in removing food from in-between teeth that brushing cannot reach. It provides that extra reach you need to keep your mouth as clean as possible.

Healthy Eating for Dental Health

Your diet is extremely important when it comes to dental health. For example, acidic foods such as sodas, citrus fruits, vinegar, and more can wear away the enamel on your teeth which you cannot get back. Always consume these foods in moderation so you do not cause yourself to have cavities or teeth sensitivity. To further prevent issues, you can even rinse your mouth after consuming any of these acidic items. 

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy provides both you and your teeth the vitamins and minerals they need to keep strong. When it comes to strengthening your enamel, foods that are high in calcium like cheese, nuts, and green leafy vegetables are key. 

The Role of Water in Dental Health

Always stay hydrated. Not only for your dental health, but for your overall health. Staying hydrated can wash off the residue of sticky or highly acidic foods like we’ve already mentioned. Also, staying hydrated can prevent you from having dry mouth, which leads to tooth decay and bad breath and no one wants that! 

Don’t Ignore Dental Problems

If you’re experiencing any problems or discomfort with dental, it’s crucial to never ignore them. If you do, they can eventually get worse, and obviously ignoring problems will not make them disappear! Common dental issues can include:

• Persistent bad breath
• Toothaches 
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Bleeding or swollen gums
• Dry mouth. 

If you have any of the above, please make sure to contact a dentist to get it checked out and fixed! 

Maintaining your dental health between checkups is essential. By following a strong dental routine, you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of healthy smiles, and feeling good while doing so. Staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, and taking care of your teeth is the best thing that you can do for your oral health. 

Here at Ballwin Dental Care, we strive to create a comfortable environment so people are not afraid to reach out to us for our care. Our team is dedicated to listening to you, and providing you with solutions you need for better oral health. From professional cleanings to orthodontics to cosmetic dentistry, you can find anything that you need provided to you, by us. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment or talk to us about any oral concerns!