How To Keep Your Teeth Clean Between Cleanings

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums goes beyond just visiting the dentist every six months. While regular professional teeth cleanings are important, your daily habits at home play a crucial role in keeping your teeth clean, strong, and free from decay. Between those visits, there are plenty of steps you can take to ensure your smile stays bright and your mouth remains fresh.

9 Tips to keep your teeth clean between professional teeth cleanings

Here are 9 effective tips to help you keep your teeth clean between professional teeth cleanings:

1. Brush Properly and Twice a Day

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the most fundamental step to keeping your teeth clean. However, it’s not just about how often you brush, but also about how well you do it. To maximize the benefits of brushing:

• Use a fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride for optimal protection.
• Brush for two minutes: Most people tend to rush through brushing, but a proper two-minute brushing session ensures that all areas of your mouth are cleaned thoroughly.
• Use gentle strokes: Aggressive brushing can damage your gums and tooth enamel. Be gentle and use small circular motions to clean your teeth without causing any harm.

Make sure to also brush your tongue, as bacteria can accumulate there and contribute to bad breath and oral health issues.

2. Don’t Forget to Floss

Flossing may seem like an extra task in your oral hygiene routine, but it’s essential to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach, especially between your teeth. Plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, so incorporating flossing into your daily routine is vital for optimal oral health.

• Floss once a day: It’s best to floss at night before brushing to remove any trapped food particles from the day and prevent plaque from hardening overnight.
• Be gentle: Gently slide the floss between your teeth, and avoid snapping it down on your gums, which can cause irritation or bleeding.

Using floss or an interdental brush helps clean areas where bacteria often accumulate, contributing to cleaner teeth and healthier gums.

3. Use Mouthwash for Extra Freshness

Mouthwash is a great addition to your oral hygiene routine because it helps freshen your breath, reduce plaque buildup, and kill harmful bacteria in your mouth. There are many mouthwashes available on the market that serve different purposes, so choose one that meets your needs. Here are some types of mouthwash to consider:

• Antiseptic mouthwash: Helps reduce plaque and bacteria that can lead to gum disease and cavities.
• Fluoride mouthwash: Helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevents cavities, especially in areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush.
• Alcohol-free mouthwash: A great option if you have sensitive gums or prefer to avoid alcohol-based products.

Make mouthwash a part of your routine, but remember it should never replace brushing or flossing.

4. Watch Your Diet

What you eat plays a significant role in your oral health. Sugary foods and beverages, including soda, candy, and even some juices, can lead to plaque buildup and increase the risk of tooth decay. To keep your teeth clean and healthy, try the following:

• Limit sugary foods: Sugar fuels the bacteria in your mouth, which then produces acid that can erode your enamel.
• Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables: Apples, carrots, and celery are natural teeth cleaners that help remove food particles and plaque while you chew.
• Drink plenty of water: Water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth hydrated and fresh. It’s especially important after eating sugary or acidic foods.

Also, avoid excessive snacking, as it gives bacteria more time to feed on food particles and cause damage.

5. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

If you’re unable to brush your teeth after a meal, chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production. Saliva is nature’s defense against cavities as it helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids produced by bacteria in your mouth.

• Look for gum with xylitol: Xylitol is a natural sweetener that helps reduce cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. Choose gum that contains xylitol to support your oral health.
• Chew for 20 minutes: After meals, chew gum for about 20 minutes to promote saliva flow and help keep your mouth clean.

Chewing sugar-free gum can also freshen your breath, making it a great option when you’re on the go.

6. Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products

Smoking and using tobacco products are incredibly harmful to your oral health. Not only do they stain your teeth, but they also contribute to gum disease, bad breath, and even oral cancer. The chemicals in tobacco can cause plaque buildup, which leads to tooth decay and gum inflammation.

• Quit smoking: If you smoke, try to quit to reduce the harmful effects on your teeth and gums. Talk to your doctor for assistance if needed.
• Limit tobacco use: If you use smokeless tobacco, try to reduce or eliminate it from your routine to prevent further oral health issues.

Maintaining a smoke-free lifestyle helps keep your teeth cleaner and your gums healthier in the long run.

7. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Even if you’re diligent about your at-home dental care, regular visits to the dentist are essential for keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Dentists and hygienists can remove tartar (hardened plaque) that forms in areas that brushing and flossing might miss. They can also spot early signs of gum disease, cavities, or other oral health issues.

• Schedule bi-annual checkups: Most dentists recommend visiting every six months for a cleaning and checkup.
• Ask for personalized advice: Your dentist can provide tailored advice to help you maintain better oral health based on your habits and needs.

Regular dental checkups are the best way to keep your teeth in top condition and catch any issues before they become more serious. If you’re looking for teeth cleaning in Seawoods, Smilekraft Dental Clinic is here to offer comprehensive care and guidance.

8. Use a Tongue Scraper

While brushing your teeth is essential, don’t forget about your tongue! The tongue can harbor bacteria, food particles, and dead cells, leading to bad breath and contributing to poor oral health. A tongue scraper is a simple tool that helps remove this buildup and freshen your breath.

• Use a tongue scraper daily: Gently scrape from the back of your tongue to the front to remove any debris.
• Rinse your mouth afterward: After scraping your tongue, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash for added freshness.

Cleaning your tongue can significantly improve your overall oral hygiene.

9. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial for your oral health. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth and keeps your gums hydrated, preventing dryness and discomfort.

• Drink water frequently: Drink water throughout the day, especially after meals, to keep your mouth clean and your gums healthy.
• Avoid sugary drinks: Water is the best option for hydration. Try to limit sugary beverages like soda and juice, as they can contribute to plaque buildup and tooth decay.

Conclusion

Keeping your teeth clean between professional cleanings is essential for maintaining a bright, healthy smile. By brushing and flossing properly, eating a balanced diet, using mouthwash, and following the other tips mentioned above, you can effectively protect your teeth and gums from damage.

Remember, your oral health is closely tied to your overall well-being. Taking care of your teeth at home, along with regular visits to the dentist, ensures that your smile stays healthy and bright for years to come.

If you’re looking for expert care and guidance to maintain your oral health, Smilekraft Dental Clinic in Seawoods, Navi Mumbai, is here to help. Our team of dedicated professionals offers thorough teeth cleaning in Seawoods to ensure your smile stays fresh and vibrant.