The best way to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth in excellent health is through regular professional teeth cleaning with a dental hygienist. In addition to your daily oral hygiene routine, we recommend maintaining your smile between professional cleanings. Not only will good teeth cleaning habits keep you in good oral health and hygiene, but it will also keep your mouth feeling fresh, prevent bad breath, and can keep your teeth white and bright.

After having your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist, it’s recommended to maintain your fresh smile by cleaning your teeth at least twice a day. Taking excellent care of your teeth after cleanings help your gums to heal quickly by reducing the triggers of sensitivity and discomfort.

When brushing where your teeth and gums meet, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Gently rock your brush back and forth in circular movements. Do not scrub or brush vigorously since this can make your gums pull away from your teeth and can even scratch your tooth enamel. Finally, replace your toothbrush after every three months or as soon as the bristles become weak.

Flossing your teeth is another important aspect of home dental hygiene. Almost 80% of cavities form in the pits, grooves, or fissures of the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Pass the floss through your teeth, moving from side to side. Doing this will help you eliminate food particles that get caught between the teeth where a brush can’t reach. If left unchecked, such food particles cause tooth decay over time.

Maintaining your oral hygiene after teeth cleaning extends to more than simply brushing and flossing. Avoid harmful foods, drinks, and habits that can wreak havoc on your teeth, including:

Soda . This type of beverage is full of excess sugar that causes your teeth to break down over time. The fizzy ingredients like citric acid and phosphoric acid erode your enamel and make you susceptible to cavities.

Sugars . Decreasing your intake of sugar will keep your teeth healthy and hygienic in between cleaning appointments. Sugar promotes acidity and the growth of bacteria in your mouth, which causes plaque to form. Plaque attacks your gums and tooth enamel and potentially leads to tooth decay.

Smoking . Tar and nicotine found in cigarettes destroy your gums, while smoking increases plaque and bacterial production in the mouth. Smoking is a terrible habit that makes you susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease while also increasing your risk for oral cancer and tooth loss.

Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help to prevent tooth decay by helping to re-mineralize soft spots in your enamel. Don’t eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after using a mouthwash to allow the beneficial effects to take place.

Regular professional cleanings help you to maintain your oral health and alert you to potential issues before they become severe. Making regular visits to your dentist assures you that any oral care issues that may arise will be addressed immediately, saving you time, potential discomfort, and money. Teeth cleanings are not only designed to improve the appearance of your smile but also help to maintain your overall oral health.

Regardless of how healthy your smile appears to be, it does not mean you should avoid seeing your dentist if everything feels okay. Seeing your dentist every six months should be an essential part of your routine. Here are just some of the reasons why professional teeth cleaning matters and why you should see your dentist regularly:

Regular teeth cleaning is essential. Brushing and flossing, in addition to these other tips, will help to maintain your oral health until your next dental exam. Frequent visits to your dentist are essential in preventing and managing dental issues, so call Cherrywood Dental Associates today!