10 Tips from Your Dentist in Monroe, Fort Gratiot, and Canton

Good oral hygiene helps maintain healthy teeth and gums and keeps your smile bright. But, there are other things beyond brushing and flossing that benefit your overall health. Please read below for our ten oral health tips.

#1 CLEAN YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY 

At Smile Zone Dental, we recommend brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day. Brush properly by using small circular motions at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line to avoid damaging the soft tissue. Remember to brush your tongue well to remove any bacteria and keep bad breath at bay.

#2 FLOSS ONCE A DAY

Flossing removes anything your toothbrush is unable to dislodge. Please don’t skip this step, as it will leave food particles that can eventually decay. 

#3 REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH

Old frayed toothbrushes don’t clean the tooth’s surface correctly and can damage your gums. It would be best to change to a new soft bristle toothbrush every 3 to 6 months. Always rinse your toothbrush well and store it upright to dry completely.

#4 VISIT YOUR DENTIST EVERY SIX MONTHS

Regular six-month visits will allow your dentists in Monroe, Fort Gratiot, and Canton to catch issues before they take hold. Your teeth benefit from a thorough professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup at these visits. The tooth enamel gets a lovely buff and polish for a sparkly smile.

#5 MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET

It is crucial to limit sugary foods and drinks for optimal oral health. Overly processed foods and sugar-laden treats play a massive negative role in long-term dental health. Start to include foods high in calcium to support strong teeth. 

Add in foods that strengthen your teeth, like leafy greens, crunchy veggies, almonds, yogurt, and cheese. Speak to your dentists in Monroe, Fort Gratiot, and Canton for the best diet recommendations for your dental health.

#6 INCLUDE ADDITIONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

Brushing and flossing are fundamental to prevention. Still, you can do more to help keep your teeth in top condition. Consider incorporating supplemental aids into your routine like mouthwash, oral irrigators, interdental cleaners, and tongue cleaners. 

These hygiene products can help keep teeth clean, support good oral health and remove dental plaque. You should use these products in addition to regular brushing and flossing.

#7 DRINK WATER

Drinking water throughout the day helps maintain healthy saliva flow. Staying hydrated helps move food particles in your mouth, preventing them from sticking between your teeth where bacteria thrive. 

#8 DON’T SMOKE

Smoking stains your teeth and causes health issues that can lead to tooth loss and even oral cancer. If you want the best for your health, stop smoking immediately.

#9 DENTAL SEALANTS

Dental sealants help protect your teeth with thin coatings that fill the depressions on the chewing surfaces of the molars to prevent decay. Anyone can benefit from sealants, but children and teens are the best candidates as they often don’t brush as well as adults.

#10 EXAMINE REGULARLY 

Even though you are getting regular checkups with your dentists, issues can start in the months between visits. Add a quick scan of your mouth as part of your hygiene routine. If you notice a change, share this information with your dentist at your next appointment.

Smile Zone Dental, your dentists in Monroe, Fort Gratiot, and Canton, MI, have years of experience and are here to guide you. We provide the best dental care to maintain your oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile. Schedule an appointment today.