A visit to the dentist may be for routine checkups or specialized treatments, such as crowns, braces, or root canals. Between visits, you should maintain good oral hygiene. You can do this with regular, timely brushing and flossing; antimicrobial mouthwash also helps keep the bacterial population low. Here are a few ways to maintain oral hygiene between dental visits:
Brush and Floss Daily
Food particles remain in your mouth after eating and require regular brushing and flossing to keep your teeth and gums clean. If you don’t brush twice a day, the food in your mouth encourages bacterial growth. Dental hygienists recommend brushing twice a day and flossing; use a soft-bristle brush to clean your gums for a couple of minutes. Apply a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your enamel and prevent cavities.
When brushing, clean all tooth surfaces, including the front, back, and chewing areas. Replace the toothbrush when the bristles become too soft or wear out. Brushing alone doesn’t remove all food particles and plaque between your teeth. A dentist recommends flossing daily to clean hard-to-reach areas that a brush can’t reach. Follow the flossing technique your hygienist recommends or use an interdental brush to remove plaque buildup.
Remember to brush your tongue to scrape away food debris and bacteria. You can rinse your mouth with warm water and an antimicrobial mouthwash; this helps keep your breath fresh and even destroy remaining bacteria. Regular brushing and flossing reduce the chances of plaque buildup, helping you maintain the results of professional cleaning.
Watch Diet and Lifestyle
Your diet affects your oral health and hygiene between dental visits. Eating sugary snacks and beverages encourages bacteria to grow. They produce acid that can damages your enamel, causing cavities. Avoid frequent sugar and acidic drinks that increase the chances of decay.
Choose water and make nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables a regular part of your diet. Drinking water after meals can help rinse away food particles and bacteria while also supporting saliva production to help protect your mouth. Other lifestyle habits that support oral hygiene between dental appointments include:
- Avoid smoking tobacco products to lower the risk of gum diseaseÂ
- Wear a protective mouthguard during contact sports or if you grind your teeth at night
- Avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth during brace treatmentÂ
Track Oral Health
Oral health issues may develop despite proper cleaning, flossing, and antibacterial mouthwash use. If you’re undergoing restorative treatments, track all unusual signs as advised by your doctor. Bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth require immediate attention. A toothache may suggest a potential cavity, while mouth sores that don’t go away require professional evaluation.
Other concerns, such as decay, jaw swelling, and gingivostomatitis infection, require prompt checkups. Track oral health signals, especially during treatment and aftercare, and notify your doctor early for custom solutions. If you’re unsure, ask your doctor which symptoms or changes to watch for and when to seek professional help.
Speak to a Dentist Today
Proper oral hygiene between dental visits reduces harmful bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay. If done correctly, you can maintain strong, healthy teeth; professional cleaning and whitening results also last longer. Speak to a dentist today for professional oral hygiene tips and services.
