Can your dentist in Zebulon make your smile attractive? Yes, that’s possible, but maintaining a healthy mouth is your responsibility for the most part. Healthy teeth make for a beautiful smile. But, since you only get to see your dentist twice a year (assuming you’ve managed to maintain healthy teeth and gums), the rest of the 363 days, well, you’re on your own.
How you care for your oral health at home will ultimately determine if you’ll have a healthy and beautiful smile. Caring for your teeth and gums is a lifelong commitment. If you’ve been diligent in the past few months, it doesn’t mean you can slack off.
Did you know that it only takes 48 hours for plaque to turn into tartar? By the time it has hardened into tartar, only your dentist can remove it. Don’t wait for tartar buildup; otherwise, your oral health will be in jeopardy and your self-esteem in question.
How to Achieve and Maintain a Beautiful and Healthy Smile
Brush, Brush, Brush
You can’t get away; brushing is part of the deal. Brushing your teeth two times a day for two minutes is a must. Remember when your parents always reminded you to brush after every meal? There’s a good reason for it! Brushing in the morning helps prevent plaque buildup and gets rid of morning breath. It also minimizes your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
It’s also important to brush your teeth before going to bed to remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris that you’ve accumulated throughout the day. Dentists also recommend you don’t rinse your mouth with water but rather spit the toothpaste out, so you won’t wash away the fluoride.
Another important reminder is to choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps make your teeth stronger and protects your enamel from cavities and tooth decay.
Before buying your toothpaste, don’t just look at the flavor but check the label to see if they have the ADA seal of acceptance.
Floss, Floss, Floss
It doesn’t take much convincing to brush, but flossing is an entirely different story. Flossing requires skills, technique, and patience to effectively remove food debris and plaque in the narrow crevices of your teeth, and trust us – not many people are thrilled to do it.
And, if they do get it wrong, they might puncture their gum tissues, which can lead to bleeding and discomfort. These are just some of the reasons why people skip flossing. They also think brushing is enough. We hate to break it to you, but flossing is integral to your oral care routine.
The thin strip of floss can reach even the narrowest spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t, dislodging any food and plaque buildup that could result in cavity formation.
During your next dental appointment, ask your dentist to show you how. Remove an 18-inch strip of floss and gently move it up and down between your teeth. This length is ideal for cleaning all of your teeth. When flossing your bottom teeth, start at the curved base and make your way upward.
Clean Your Tongue
Your tongue harbors hundreds of microscopic bacteria. You can’t see them, but they’re there, so you should also keep your tongue clean. Bacteria can thrive and multiply in your tongue’s textured surface between your taste buds.
To remove bacteria from your teeth, all you need is gentle brushing. Some people prefer to use a tongue scraper, but your ordinary soft-bristled toothbrush will do if you don’t like it.
When cleaning your tongue, make sure you start at the back and brush towards the front. Repeat this process a few times to eliminate bacteria. Cleaning your tongue also helps get rid of bad breath. Dentists say that keeping your tongue clean will help enhance your sense of taste!
Use a Mouthwash
Using a mouthwash should be a part of your oral care routine as it helps remove plaque buildup, reduces your risk of cavities, and freshens your breath. One of the mistakes people make is swishing their mouths with a mouthwash after brushing.
Unfortunately, when you do this, you are rinsing away the fluoride that has coated your teeth from the toothpaste. The point of using fluoride-based toothpaste is to make it stay on your teeth for added protection.
Therefore, dentists recommend you rinse with a mouthwash during other times of the day and not while you brush, like after having your lunch. When using a mouthwash, avoid drinking or eating after for at least 30 minutes.
Do You Need to See a Dentist in Zebulon?
If you need help maintaining a healthy mouth, we’re here for you. At Tyron Family Dentistry, we offer a wide array of affordable dental treatments to keep your oral health in tiptop shape. We strive to build long-term relationships with our patients and give them personalized care so that together, we can meet their dental goals. Contact us today for an appointment.
