Do you want to achieve great oral health in the simplest and most effective way possible? Our team at Sorensen Dental Group has put together a list of our dentist’s top tips for maintaining a bright and healthy smile along with optimal oral health. Read on to learn how to keep your smile looking confident and healthy for years to come.
#1 Rinse Your Mouth Often
Did you know that you have two simple weapons to fight against dental disease? The first is tap water, which can do wonders for your oral health. Rinsing with water can easily dislodge food particles and acids from your teeth after a meal. You can even reduce the harmful effects of coffee on your teeth by drinking water regularly alongside it. Also, drinking water regularly will help you stay hydrated and ensure that your second weapon, saliva, is sufficiently produced in your mouth. Saliva is our body’s natural defense system against cavities and bacteria.
#2 Drink with a Straw
Water is important for rinsing acidic liquids such as soda and coffee off your teeth, but what is even better is minimizing the exposure to your teeth in the first place. Our dentist in SE Calgary recommends that you consume beverages such as tea, coffee, and soda in moderation, but when you do choose to indulge in them, drink them with a straw. This will keep the majority of liquid away from your teeth. Try to use reusable straws to minimize the environmental impact of this hack.
#3 Use Sugar-Free Gum
A simple and affordable cleaning tool is a pack of sugar-free gum. When you cannot clean your teeth with floss or a toothbrush, sugar-free gum can work to vacuum up some of those lingering food particles. Chew a piece immediately after eating to freshen your mouth and limit bacteria growth. Remember that this tip only works if you use sugar-free gum, as using gum with sugar in it will only worsen your oral health.
#4 Always Have an Extra Toothbrush
Accidents happen, and belongings get damaged, especially if you have little ones running around the house. You would be surprised at how many people do not have a backup plan if their toothbrush becomes unexpectedly compromised. That is why our dentist near you recommends buying a family pack of toothbrushes so that you can easily swap them out. Having extra toothbrushes in the cabinet will also ensure that you can always change your old one out every three months without fail. Many people forget to pick up a new toothbrush after a few months and end up using an old one that is teeming with bacteria.
Another piece of advice: always opt for soft-bristled toothbrushes- they are gentler on your teeth and gums and just as efficient at cleaning them.
#5 Never Miss Your Professional Dental Cleanings
These tips are great, but they are only the beginning of maintaining optimal oral health. The cornerstone of family dentistry in SE Calgary is preventative care, and a key part of this is scheduling a professional dental cleaning at least once every six months for your entire family. When you and your family members get your teeth cleaned, your dentist can check for any early signs of tooth decay or gum disease and prevent them from worsening.
At Sorensen Dental, we are happy to provide high-quality family dentistry near you. If it has been more than six months since your family last saw a dentist, now is the time to book an appointment. Please do not hesitate to contact us today!
