Be honest. When’s the last time you brushed your teeth?
If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. A recent poll revealed that 60% of Americans don’t brush twice daily. The truth is, it’s not enough to clean your teeth once a day.
You need to ensure that your mouth is cared for between teeth cleanings. Traveling the path of tooth decay is easy, but mouth care doesn’t have to be.
To learn more about what you can do to prevent tooth decay, keep reading to find several teeth cleaning tips.
Proper Brushing Between Teeth Cleanings
It is essential to brush your teeth between teeth cleanings to remove plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that forms on your teeth.
If plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar, which is more difficult to remove and lead to gum disease. Brushing between teeth helps remove plaque and bacteria and can prevent cavities and gum disease.
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can help remove plaque and prevent tartar from forming. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Use gentle circular motions, and don’t forget to brush your tongue!
The Importance of Flossing
Flossing your teeth between cleanings is an integral part of oral hygiene. It helps remove plaque and bacteria between your teeth that brushing can’t reach.
There are a few different ways to floss your teeth. The most important thing is to be gentle and use a slow, back-and-forth motion.
Start by wrapping the floss around your middle finger and holding it tight. Gently insert the floss between your teeth and use a gentle sawing motion to work it back and forth.
Be sure to go below the gum line, but be careful not to scratch or injure your gums. Throw away and rinse your mouth well with water when you’re done.
Mouthwash: Friend or Foe?
There are many benefits to using mouthwash between teeth cleanings. Mouthwash can help remove plaque and bacteria that can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.
It can also help to whiten teeth and freshen breath. There are many types of mouthwash available, so it is vital to choose the right one for you. Follow the directions on the mouthwash label to get the most benefits.
Be sure to use an alcohol-free mouthwash, so it does not dry out your mouth. Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
If the stains on your teeth are too tough for mouthwash, you should check out natural teeth whitening methods.
Take Care of Your Pearly Whites
See your dentist at least once a year for professional teeth cleanings and check-ups. You can take great care of your mouth in between teeth cleanings by following the above simple steps.
Doing these things will help keep your mouth healthy and prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. If you have any concerns about your oral health, talk to your dentist.
For more quality dental care tips, check out the rest of our blog!