Caring for your teeth is incredibly important to keep them in the best possible condition. Plaque and bacteria buildup on a daily basis, so it is vital to take the necessary steps to remove these harmful particles from the inside of your mouth. Many people understand the importance of regularly brushing your teeth, but there are multiple other factors that are necessary to implement to an effective oral health routine. At Avenues Family Dentistry, we care about the health of your smile and provide services that are designed to optimize this health. Here are 5 tips for effectively caring for your teeth and optimizing the health of your smile.
1. Brush Regularly and Effectively
Not only is it important to brush enough, but it is also important to brush correctly. Ineffective brushing won’t help in caring for your teeth. You need to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. Use a fluoride-infused toothpaste to maximize the protection to your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as harder bristles are more abrasive and may damage the enamel of your teeth. Also ensure that you replace your toothbrush on a regular basis, either every 3 months or whenever it begins to show signs of wear. Use short, back-and-forth strokes when you brush your teeth and hold your toothbrush at a 45˚ angle to your teeth. You should also invest a few seconds in brushing your tongue, as bacteria and plaque can still buildup on the surface of your tongue.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing is another vital component in effectively caring for your teeth. As important as brushing your teeth is, a toothbrush can’t reach every surface of your teeth. This is why flossing is important to remove all of the food particles from your teeth. Floss will help to reach the places between your teeth, which will remove the plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can’t get to. Many people pass on daily flossing, because it causes their gums to bleed. This, however, is an indication that your oral hygiene routines are not effectively protecting your teeth and gums. Flossing will help to remove the built-up plaque from between your teeth, which will reduce the inflammation and eventually stop the bleeding as the health of your gums improves. Flossing is certainly not a replacement for regular brushing, but it is another important step in an effective oral hygiene routine.
3. See your Dentist
There are many reasons that it is important to regularly see your dentist, even if you feel like your teeth are in good condition. Many experts recommend that you visit your dentist every 6 months, 
though this will depend on your dentist and your situation. A dental cleaning is one of the only ways to remove hardened plaque, called tartar, from the surface of your teeth. Not only will a dental visit remove this tartar from your teeth, but your dentist will also conduct an exam at this time. From x-rays to visual examinations, this process can go a long way toward catching potential issues in the early stages. These issues will likely be much easier to resolve before they are allowed to escalate, so regular dental visits can help to prevent expensive dental costs further down the road. Your dentist will also be able to advise you regarding superior dental hygiene practices for your teeth. It is similarly important to see your dentist as soon as you notice any oral health problems, like the formation of cavities.
4. Consider Adding Mouthwash to your Routine
Mouthwash can be an incredibly valuable addition to your oral hygiene routine and it’s relatively simple to add. There are many different kinds of mouthwash, which ensures that you can obtain the kind of mouthwash that will be most beneficial for your specific situation and preferences. A mouthwash that contains fluoride can go a long way toward strengthening and protecting your teeth. It is also important to consider whether you wish to use an alcohol or alcohol-free mouthwash. Though alcohol can certainly help to kill bacteria, it also dries out your mouth. A dry mouth provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, so it is often better to refrain from using these types of mouthwash prior to bed. In addition to the various active ingredients in mouthwash, mouthwash is also capable of rinsing bacteria and excess food particles from the mouth, which helps to create a much cleaner smile.
5. Foods that Help in Caring for your Teeth
Your diet plays a huge role in the health of your teeth. Most people are aware that sugar can be incredibly damaging to your teeth’s health. However, few people realize that it is not the amount of sugar you consume, but how often you consume sugar that has the greatest impact on your teeth. Bacteria that are present in the mouth use sugar to produce the acids that damage the teeth. This means that every time you consume sugar, this acid is produced and the demineralization process begins. Reducing the sugar in your diet can help to prevent this damage from occurring and improve the health of your teeth. You should also consider reducing the amount of soda you consume on a regular basis.
There are certain foods that can be incredibly beneficial to your teeth. Onions can help to neutralize bacteria, which makes them a great option for salad toppings, flavoring, and more. Leafy greens provide vitamins and minerals that are valuable in caring for your teeth. They also require more chewing than alternative food sources, which increases saliva production, which further helps to protect your teeth. Green tea is full of antioxidants that help to fight harmful bacteria in your mouth. Dairy products contain calcium that can help to strengthen both the teeth and the bones, as well as improve the health of the gums. It also has properties that help to neutralize acids in the mouth and protect the teeth.
Schedule your Dental Cleaning Today!
Caring for your teeth is vital in protecting them from sustaining significant amounts of damage. It is important to follow all of the appropriate oral hygiene processes to ensure that your teeth remain in the best possible condition. Contact us at Avenues Family Dentistry to schedule your dental cleaning with us today!