The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining Oral Hygiene at Home
The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining Oral Hygiene at Home
At Ateeth Dental Care, we believe that a healthy smile is the gateway to a healthy body. Dr. Sri and her team are proponents of prevention to keep your smile healthy and bright for a lifetime. An important emphasis of our practice is patient education and offering home oral hygiene tips. We strive to empower you with the knowledge you need to take charge of your oral health.
Maintaining Good Home Oral Hygiene Practices
Here are some at-home dental care basics to lower the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and a host of oral health concerns:
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, preferably when you wake up and before bed. Brush for about two minutes using gentle, circular motions, and make sure you clean all surfaces of your teeth. Remember to brush your tongue, which can harbor harmful bacteria. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or sooner if you notice that the bristles are frayed.
Dr. Sri suggests using soft-bristled electric toothbrushes daily because they remove plaque more efficiently than manual toothbrushes.
Floss Daily: It’s important to floss daily to remove plaque, food particles, and debris your toothbrush can’t reach. Gently guide the floss between your teeth and curve it on each side of your teeth in a “C” shape, gently cleaning under the gums. It doesn’t matter whether you floss before or after brushing your teeth. What matters is that you take your time to do so thoroughly.
Dr. Sri’s preferred routine is to floss, rinse, and brush.
Rinse with Mouthwash: Most mouthwashes have antimicrobial properties, eliminating harmful oral bacteria. Rinsing daily can help address areas brushing and flossing may miss, reducing plaque accumulation. There are numerous mouthwash varieties available for purchase, providing different oral health benefits. Our team at Ateeth Dental Care is happy to recommend the type of mouthwash that is right for your unique needs.
Dr. Sri advises you to use a mouth rinse with no alcohol content.
Maintain a Smile-Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy to provide your teeth and gums with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Limit sugary or acidic snacks and drinks, which can increase your risk of tooth decay. Foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus are essential for maintaining strong, healthy teeth.
Dr. Sri recommends rinsing your mouth after every meal/snack so harmful bacteria cannot feed off any food particles left behind.
Stay Hydrated: Sipping on water throughout your day can help flush away plaque, bacteria, and food debris, keeping your mouth clean and healthy. It also helps combat dry mouth, which is a leading cause of tooth decay. 😊😊
Avoid Smoking or Tobacco Use: Do your oral and overall health a favor and steer clear of smoking or the use of tobacco products. Smoking can leave your teeth stained and discolored and cause bad breath. It also increases your risk of periodontal (gum) disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
Dr. Sri warns about the poor prognosis of treatment in smokers.
Visit Your Dentist: Visiting Ateeth Dental Care for routine dental exams and cleanings helps address any concerns as they develop, preventing them from progressing. Your visits are also an excellent chance to revisit your home oral hygiene practices and offer tips, as needed, to safeguard your smile. After all, we are all works in progress. 😊
Preventive Dental Care Near Me in Reston, VA
At Ateeth Dental Care, we believe that wellness starts with maintaining healthy, beautiful smiles. Dr. Sri and her patient-centered team are always happy to offer tips and guidance to help you establish good home oral hygiene practices. You can always count on us for care that not only meets but goes above and beyond your expectations. We invite you to call 571-446-4060 or visit us online to book an appointment today!