Everyone loves the feeling of the freshness they get after they visit the dentist for a teeth cleaning. What can you do to maintain that feeling in between dental appointments?
You are better off maintaining good oral hygiene than asking your dentist to correct mouth problems when it comes to oral care. It’s not hard to maintain your newly cleaned smile and prevent oral health complications. The following tips will help you maintain a healthy mouth and keep your teeth clean between dental cleanings every six months.
1. Ditch Soda
Your habit of drinking soda regularly is probably damaging your teeth. Phosphoric acid and citric acid, two of the ingredients in soda, have been shown to damage enamel, increasing your chances of getting cavities.
Although you aren’t going to hurt yourself if you drink soda occasionally, drinking water is best. You can add fruit to it if you want more flavor.
2. Floss
Plaque and food debris accumulate between teeth, and brushing alone is not enough to remove them. If you floss gently after brushing your teeth, you can help keep your gums and teeth healthy.
3. Quit Smoking
The effects of smoking on your teeth are terrible. Smoking after a dentist visit undoes all the work done during your previous appointment, no matter how clean your teeth are.
Smoking causes your gums to deteriorate due to nicotine and tar. You become more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay when you smoke because it increases bacterial production in the mouth. A smoker’s risk of oral cancer and tooth loss are also higher.
4. Use the Proper Brushing Technique
You are probably not cleaning your teeth thoroughly if you are not brushing correctly. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, angle your brush 45 degrees and use short circular motions. Make sure the compact brush head is pointed towards your gum line. And make sure you brush for at least two minutes.
5. Clean Your Teeth While You Eat
In the same way that sugary foods and drinks are detrimental to oral health, certain foods can be beneficial. Plaque can be reduced by eating raw carrots, apples, celery, and popcorn. Together with brushing and flossing, they can help in maintaining good oral health.
6. Cut Down on Sugar
By reducing your sugar consumption as well as cutting back on soda, you can keep your teeth healthy and clean between regular dental visits.
In your mouth, sugar causes bacteria to grow and acidity to rise, resulting in plaque. This can eventually lead to tooth decay since plaque attacks your gums and tooth enamel. Limit sugary foods and beverages and brush your teeth after enjoying sweets.
Do I Still Need Cleanings Every Six Months?
Does this mean you no longer need to see your dentist now that you know how to take better care of your teeth and gums? You can maintain good oral health and discover mouth issues sooner when you have regular teeth cleanings from a professional. Your dentist will be able to restore your smile more easily, less painfully, and less expensively the earlier they discover an oral health problem.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your San Marcos Dentist Visit
Do Children Need to See the Dentist as Often as Adults?
Everyone should see a dentist for a check up every six months. Children especially need to see the dentist frequently because their teeth are changing and they tend to get more cavities.
Are Thumbsucking or Pacifier Use Harmful to My Child’s Teeth?
In general, thumb and pacifier sucking habits are normal and will only become a problem if they continue to do so for a very long period of time. Children usually stop sucking their thumbs or fingers on their own. However, if they continue to do so past their third birthday, you can talk to your dentist about strategies for discouraging the habits.
What is a Cavity?
Cavities are holes that form when a tooth decays, and the inside of the tooth can become infected as a result. You may experience sensitivity and pain if you have a cavity, and if it gets too large, the tooth may have to be removed, so visit your dentist ASAP if you think you have one!
What Types of Insurance Does The Dental Space Take?
The Dental Space takes most PPO plans, as well as Medicaid and CHIP. We do not take HMO plans at this time.
Visit Our San Marcos Dentist Office
People are often hesitant to visit the dentist because it makes them feel uncomfortable. The Dental Space family dentistry clinic is committed to providing you and your family with a stress free and painless experience during your visit. We provide cool Star Wars memorabilia and the latest video arcade games for our younger patients.
New patients are always welcome!
To schedule an appointment with Dr. McCartor, call 512-667-9770. Many dental insurance plans are accepted, and we offer several different payment options to our patients.
