Maintaining good dental hygiene at home is crucial for overall oral health, especially for families with children. As part of your dental care routine, following good dental hygiene practices at home is essential. Of course, regular visits to your dentist are crucial, but taking care of your teeth and gums between appointments is equally essential. In this blog post, we’ll provide some helpful tips and tricks for maintaining good dental hygiene at home to ensure you and your family have healthy teeth and gums.
Brush and Floss Regularly
To maintain good dental hygiene, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Use fluoride toothpaste to help protect your teeth, and brush for two minutes each time. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach.
Teach Your Children Good Dental Habits
Starting good dental habits early is essential for children’s oral health. Encourage your kids to brush and floss their teeth and limit sugary foods and drinks that can cause cavities. If your children are too young to brush their teeth independently, be sure to assist them and supervise their brushing.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a helpful tool for maintaining good dental hygiene. It can help kill bacteria in your mouth and freshen your breath (if you have bad breath). If you have braces, mouthwash can help remove food particles and plaque that get trapped in brackets and wires.
Avoid Sugary and Acidic Foods
Sugary and acidic foods can cause tooth decay and other dental issues. Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks such as candy, soda, and juices. If you do indulge in these treats, be sure to brush your teeth shortly afterwards.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water throughout the day can help wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth. It also helps to keep you hydrated, which is essential for overall health.
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
It’s important to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. An old toothbrush can’t clean your teeth effectively and can harbour bacteria.
Protect Your Teeth During Sports
If you or your children play sports, it’s essential to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. A mouthguard can help prevent dental injuries, such as chipped or broken teeth. Newmarket Family Dental offer custom-made sports mouthguards for just such a thing.
Don’t Neglect Your Dental Check-ups
By following these tips, you can maintain good dental care at home and ensure you and your family have healthy teeth and gums. However, it’s important to remember that regular check-ups and professional cleanings are just as important.
It’s recommended that you visit your dentist at least twice a year for these check-ups. However, depending on your individual dental health needs, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits. For example, if you have a history of dental issues or if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may need to visit your dentist more often. Our team of experienced dentists can provide you with personalised recommendations for how often you should get a check-up based on your individual needs.
At Newmarket Family Dental, our team of experienced dentists and dental hygienists can help keep your teeth and gums healthy with our comprehensive family dental care services. Don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment. Learn more about our services – your dental health is our top priority!