A Dentist Offers Tips for Caring for Your Teeth Between Dental Visits

Regularly visiting your dentist in Blaine is one of the major keys to maintaining a clean and healthy mouth, but it isn’t the only thing you need to do for a smile that just won’t quit. Your dentist will be proud of you (and you’ll be proud of yourself) if you are diligent about caring for your teeth and gums during the six months between your routine checkups. Here are some simple tips to keep your grin in great shape.

Brush Twice a Day

Okay, this one probably seems like a no-brainer. Brushing removes plaque, and fluoride toothpaste helps to remineralize those gorgeous pearly whites of yours. But how can you get the most out of your brushing?

• After you consume acidic or sugary foods, wait 30 minutes to an hour before you brush. Acid weakens tooth enamel, so brushing too soon can actually damage your teeth.
• Be gentle. Remember, you’re brushing, not scrubbing. If you find that your gums are sore or that your toothbrush wears out faster than it should, you’re probably being too rough on your teeth.
• Consider switching to an electric toothbrush. Many people say that their mouth feels cleaner when they use one because they provide so many strokes per minute.

Floss Daily

Don’t underestimate the importance of flossing! It can reach places between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t clean well. By removing plaque from those areas, you can prevent cavities and bad breath.

Some people floss, but they don’t floss properly. Be sure to get the spaces between all your teeth in addition to the back side of your rear molars. Hold the floss taut between your fingers and use a gentle up and down motion to remove plaque from teeth. If you aren’t sure if your technique is up to par, ask your dentist for guidance during your next appointment.

Care for Your Unique Dental Needs

Brushing and flossing are important for everybody, but some people have unique circumstances that require them to add extra steps to their oral care routine:

• If you have dentures, don’t wear them 24/7. Take them out at night and soak them in an approved solution. Be sure to keep them clean.
• If you’re struggling with gum disease, you may need to use a special mouth rinse to fight bacteria.
• If you have dry mouth, you should take extra care to drink enough water. You might also need to address the underlying issue that is causing your mouth to dry out, whether it is a medication, nasal problems, or something else.

Maintaining your smile should be a joint effort between you and your family dentist in Blaine. Do your part between appointments so your gorgeous grin can keep shining!

About Us

Dr. Green and the rest of the team at Imagine Smiles provide the best dental care available to families in Blaine. If you have questions about how to make sure your teeth stay healthy, please reach out to us! You can contact us at 763-269-8650.