How To Protect Your Smile From Home

cleveland homecare habitsWe’ve talked a lot about how we can protect your smile and improve oral health with visits to our office. But in between these visits you and your family need to safeguard your smile from home. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist talks about how to protect your smile with good oral hygiene habits, like proper brushing and flossing.

Brushing and Flossing

To begin, you should start each day by brushing your teeth for two minutes. Be sure you use a fluoride toothpaste, so you can strengthen your outer enamel. A toothbrush with soft bristles is a must too. You should do the same before going to bed each night too. Also, every evening before you brush for the second time you should floss in between each of your teeth. Be sure you’re dipping below the gum line, and when you brush you should clean along the gums too. These actions remove the particles left behind by our foods and drinks, lowering the risk of bad breath, stained teeth, and even tooth decay and gum disease.

Improving Your Diet

What we eat matters too! Ideally, your diet should contain fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, and dairy products, so you’re enjoying plenty of vitamins D and C, which can strengthen your teeth and boost gum health too. Try to cut back on items high in sugar and starch, as these leave behind particles trapped on or between the teeth, which bacteria can break down to create harmful layers of plaque and tartar buildup. A good diet lowers your risk of tooth decay and periodontal concerns, and is good for your heart health too!

When to See the Dentist

Daily actions to clean your teeth and enjoy good nutrition can keep your smile healthy and whole. We urge people to see us every six months for a visit so we can monitor your smile and identify areas of concern in the earliest stages. But in between these visits, be sure to let us know if you experience pain in a tooth or sore, bleeding gums, as these could be warning signs of issues that need immediate attention. We also recommend regular visits and good oral hygiene habits for your kids too, so they can maintain healthy smiles and gain a better understanding of what is required to enjoy strong and bright smiles.

If you have any questions about good oral hygiene habits, then contact our team today.

Talk To Your Cleveland, TX Dentist About Improving Oral Hygiene

Our team is ready to help you and your family maintain your best possible smiles. For more information on safeguarding your smile with better oral hygiene, then contact your Cleveland, TX, dentist, Dr. Uhrenholdt, by calling (281) 592-1234.