Easy Ways to Improve Your Dental Health

WE’VE ALL HEARD that if we want healthy teeth, we should brush twice a day, floss once a day, and schedule regular dental cleaning appointments twice a year. Definitely keep doing those things, but if you want to step up your oral health game, here are a few easy ways to do that.

Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

One of the simplest ways you can improve your dental health and hygiene is to replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. Vigorous brushing will make the bristles fray and reduce the brush’s cleaning ability, but that’s not the only reason toothbrushes should be replaced often.

A lot of the bacteria we brush off our teeth stays on the bristles of our toothbrushes. Proper storage–meaning storing the toothbrush upright and letting it dry out between uses–can keep a toothbrush from getting smelly and nasty too fast, but it’s still important to replace your toothbrush at least every 3-4 months.

Use A Tongue-Scraper

Brushing your teeth twice daily is a no-brainer, but don’t forget your tongue! The same bacteria and gunk that flourishes on teeth can hide on your tongue too. Using a tongue scraper or just running your toothbrush over your tongue will leave your mouth feeling much fresher than if you only focus on your teeth and gums.

Use Phos-Flur Rinse Once a Day

Our office recommends that all of our orthodontic patients use Colgate Phos-Flur once a day to help prevent and reduce the appearance of white spots. The mouth rinse is used after brushing and we usually encourage to do so before bedtime because you cannot eat or drink anything for 30 minuets after the rinse is complete. This alone does not replace brushing. If you are a patient and want to purchase Phos-Flur, you can pick up a bottle of grape or mint at either location for $8.

Eat Teeth-Friendly Foods

Many foods are bad for your teeth. Sugar and carbs feed the harmful bacteria living in your mouth and acidic drinks erode tooth enamel. Avoiding some of these foods will help, but there are also plenty of foods you can eat that are actually good for your teeth.

Adding more cheese, yogurt, leafy greens, apples, carrots, celery, and almonds to your diet will make your teeth happy, whether by scrubbing them as you eat, fighting bad bacteria, treating gum disease, neutralizing your mouth’s pH, or remineralizing your enamel.

We’d Love To See How Your Teeth Are Doing!

If it’s been a while since your last dental exam, you should call your general dentist to set up an appointment. When you come to our office for your orthodontic check-ups, we can help guide you in the right direction and give tips as needed. But we do not clean your teeth, so it is very important to go see your dentist every 6 months for your cleanings!

Remember, when you go see your dentist, make sure you bring along a dental rewards certificate. Any patient who brings back a dental rewards certificate from their dentist and have great oral hygiene, will receive 25 extra points on their rewards card! 

We Love Our Patients!