Our office knows a thing or two about health and fitness, especially when it comes to our patient’s smiles. Keeping up a healthy body and mind takes time and dedication every day. You have to put time aside from your busy schedule to work out and even limit your snacking to maintain a fit lifestyle. These same practices apply to dental care. Your dentist in Phoenix wants you to know how often you should be practicing proper dental care to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong. By following these tips, you can keep your smile in good shape for years to come!
1. You should be brushing twice a day!
Good oral hygiene starts with brushing two times a day. Brushing is not limited to your teeth either. You must make sure to brush your entire mouth including your gum line and tongue. We recommend brushing once in the morning to remove dental bacteria that has multiplied while you’ve been asleep. The second time we recommend you brush your teeth is before bedtime to remove the leftover foods, acidic and sugar from drinks, and dental bacteria that has been left in your mouth before you go to sleep.
Extra Care Tip:
Smile Fitness Center recommends brushing with a fluoride enhanced toothpaste to not only remove bacterial build up but also increase the protection on your teeth with strong enamel.
2. You should be flossing every day!
There are many patients that view flossing as an oral health care chore. Most don’t enjoy flossing because it takes time and effort to remove plaque between every single tooth. Nevertheless, flossing is a very important part of preventive dental care! Be sure to floss between every tooth, even in hard to reach places to avoid gum disease and other dental problems in the future.
Extra Care Tip:
If you find flossing difficult to practice daily, there are many tools that can make flossing easier and more enjoyable. Consider adding Y-shaped disposable flossers, water picks, or threaders to your repertoire of cleaning tools.
3. You need to watch how often you’re snacking throughout the day.
Some patients believe that you should brush after every meal. We love their commitment to a bright, healthy smile, but brushing too often can be damaging to the soft tissues of your mouth. We may think that it’s great to remove dental bacteria and food directly after a meal, but brushing too many times a day can leave your gums abraded and sensitive. By consciously snacking rather than mindlessly eating, you can avoid extensive amounts of dental bacteria in your mouth throughout the day.
Extra Care Tip:
Do you find yourself snacking because you’re bored? Instead of eating chips or candies that do no good for your teeth, try chewing a piece of sugar-free gum. You’ll create natural saliva that washes dental bacteria from in between your teeth and strengthens your jawbone from the chewing motion.
4. You need to regularly visit your dentist in Phoenix!
Brushing twice a day and flossing helps to remove food particles, dental plaque, and harmful bacteria from your mouth. Another fantastic way of preventing dental problems is by visiting our Phoenix Smile Fitness Dental Center to receive professional cleanings regularly. Maintaining great oral health takes a team. Both you and your dentist must do their part to keep your teeth and gums strong. Contact us today to schedule your next dental cleaning and checkup.
Extra Care Tip:
Our dentists are more than happy to help you find the products you need to optimize your dental care at home. We can make the best recommendations for you to improve your dental problems like which toothpaste to invest in, advice on different dental tools, and give the best techniques for you to practice at home.