Nothing quite makes a first impression besides a happy, healthy, and welcoming smile. And your smile says so much about you. It can either push people away or draw people in. That’s why it is so important that we prioritize our smiles, keeping those pearly whites and gums in good shape.

So, let’s look at how we can do just that, with ten proven ways to protect your oral health. 

Why you need to maintain your oral hygiene at home. 

We promise we’ll get to that list of ten things, but before we do that, let’s talk for a moment about your at-home oral hygiene habits. We wouldn’t come up in your online search results as the best dentist near me if we didn’t share some key thoughts with you here.

The truth is that while visiting us at Orchard Dental Associates in Corpus Christi every six months for a professional dental cleaning is a must, the big work happens at home in between those visits. Without focusing on keeping your teeth and gums healthy every day, you risk developing serious oral health conditions—cavities, gum disease, and even premature tooth loss.

So with that, let’s get into the ten proven ways you can keep that smile in tip-top shape.

1. Brush Twice Daily With Fluoride Toothpaste

Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is essential for removing plaque and preventing cavities. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes each time.

2. Floss Daily

Flossing daily removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline that your toothbrush can’t reach. This helps prevent gum disease and cavities in those hard-to-clean areas. Make flossing a standard part of your nightly routine, and be sure to get between all your teeth to keep your gums healthy and prevent tooth decay.

3. Use Antibacterial Mouthwash

Using an antibacterial mouthwash daily helps reduce plaque and prevent gum disease by killing harmful bacteria in your mouth. It can also help freshen your breath and reach areas that brushing and flossing might miss. Choose alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid dryness and irritation. If you need recommendations on the best mouthwash, contact our dental practice.

4. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods

Limiting your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks can prevent cavities and tooth erosion. Sugars feed the bacteria in your mouth, leading to acid production that erodes tooth enamel. Choose a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support overall oral health.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and bacteria from your mouth. It also keeps your mouth hydrated and promotes the production of saliva, which naturally protects your teeth against decay. Make water your beverage of choice to support a healthy smile.

6. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Popping in a stick of sugar-free gum after meals and snacks helps increase saliva production, which can neutralize acids and wash away food particles. Saliva contains important enzymes that aid digestion and protect your teeth from decay. Choose gum with xylitol, a natural sweetener that can reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth.

7. Avoid Tobacco Products

Avoiding tobacco products is essential for maintaining healthy gums and preventing oral cancer. Tobacco use can lead to gum disease, tooth discoloration, and bad breath. Quitting smoking or using tobacco products significantly improves your oral health and overall well-being.

8. Regular Dental Checkups

Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings is vital for maintaining oral health. Your dentist can detect and treat problems early, preventing them from becoming more serious. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

9. Use a Mouth Guard for Sports

If you play sports, using a mouth guard can protect your teeth from injury. Mouth guards cushion impacts and prevent teeth from being chipped, broken, or knocked out. They are essential for contact sports and can be custom-fitted by your dentist for maximum protection and comfort.

10. Consider Dental Sealants

Dental sealants provide an added layer of protection against cavities, especially for children. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to develop. They create a barrier that prevents food and bacteria from getting trapped in the grooves of your teeth.

Add a dental visit every six months to your oral hygiene routine.

As we shared before, dental cleanings are a key part of your overall oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing daily helps to remove harmful bacteria that can turn into tartar, eventually resulting in cavities. Not only that, but following the tips we shared above can help prevent, if not reverse, the harmful effects of gum disease. 

So, now that you are set up with all the helpful tips we shared about teeth cleaning at home, it’s time to get that next professional cleaning on the calendar. Whether you need a routine general dentistry visit or a dental deep cleaning, it is our goal to protect your smile. Contact us today.