Dental hygiene is your own way of practicing preventive dentistry on a daily basis to ward off tooth decay and gum disease, among other things. If you don’t keep it up to par, then your teeth, gums, and general oral health can fall victim to any number of dental health issues. So how do you know if your dental hygiene is working? The best way is to attend a dental checkup and cleaning as often as your dentist recommends, and to make sure you keep your teeth as clean and safe as possible with better dental hygiene practices.
Keep Your Teeth Cleaner, Longer
Brushing
- Make sure to brush lightly, using a toothbrush with soft (preferably nylon) bristles that won’t damage your tooth enamel.
- Use toothpaste with fluoride. The mineral strengthens enamel by bonding to its mineralized surface.
- Brush at least twice every day, and if you can, at least 30 minutes after eating.
Flossing
- The only way to thoroughly clean your teeth of all plaque and food particles is to floss between them, which you should do at least once.
- If you can only floss once, we advise doing it before bed time. When you sleep, remaining plaque and food debris can linger and interact for hours before you wake up.
Eating & Drinking
- Everything you eat and drink can nourish the oral bacteria that contribute to plaque. The more often you snack, the quicker plaque will grow, and the less likely your daily brushing and flossing will keep your teeth clean.
- Some foods and beverages, like dairy products, most meats, and some fish, contain minerals and vitamins that can help strengthen your teeth against harmful plaque. Also, eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, which contain calcium that helps beef up weak enamel.
ABOUT YOUR FUQUAY VARINA DENTIST:
For over 15 years, Dr. Michele Collier and the talented professionals at Waterstone Family Dentistry have provided comfortable, compassionate dental care to patients of all ages from Fuquay Varina, NC, as well as Holly Springs, Angier, Willow Springs, Raleigh, and all surrounding communities. If you’d like to learn more, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Collier by calling (919) 557-5250 today.
