Best At-home Practices For A Healthy Smile

Brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing at least once each day is essential for a healthy smile, but did you know that you can take steps to prevent tooth decay between brushings with at-home care? With good oral hygiene habits, you can help to keep bacteria from thriving in your mouth and causing plaque buildup. Here are a few practices in Palo Alto- 94020, 94022, Atherton- 94027, San Mateo- 94010, 94401, Fremont- 94536, 94537, and San Jose- 94088, 94089, 95008 you should follow to maintain your oral health and smile.

Brush your teeth twice a day

To protect your smile from tooth decay, make sure you brush for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and food debris from your teeth. Remember to brush your gumline and rinse your mouth out with mouthwash after you finish brushing. This can help fight gum disease and freshen your breath.

Floss at least once per day

Don’t forget to floss daily! Flossing is the best way to remove food particles and bacteria between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Take about 20 to 30 inches of floss and wind most of it around your middle fingers. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers and gently slide it between each tooth to clean. Repeat on each tooth until you’ve cleaned the entire mouth. Be sure to move to the next section of floss as you move along the teeth, so you don’t leave any flossing material behind.

Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash

Regular brushing and flossing aren’t enough to remove bacteria from your entire mouth. That’s why it’s important to add an antiseptic mouthwash to your daily routine. It can help kill bacteria and wash away bits of food that have remained in your mouth throughout the day, such as after you eat lunch or a snack. Some mouthwashes even have added fluoride for an added boost of protection for your enamel.

Use an ADA-accepted toothpaste

When you brush your teeth, you should only use toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). This type of toothpaste is proven safe for everyday use and can help to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay. Although brushing your teeth is important, it is not the only step that you should take toward maintaining good dental health. What you eat plays a large role in the health of your smile as well. Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables will help you have a healthier smile.

Schedule regular dental visits

Routine dental visits are important to help you maintain optimal oral health. If your dental visit is pending, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a checkup twice a year. We are happy to serve the communities of Palo Alto- 94020, 94022, Atherton- 94027, San Mateo- 94010, 94401, Fremont- 94536, 94537, and San Jose- 94088, 94089, 95008. 

If you want to discuss your concerns with your dentist, please call our dental office. We are serving patients from Palo Alto- 94020, 94022, Atherton- 94027, San Mateo- 94010, 94401, Fremont- 94536, 94537, and San Jose- 94088, 94089, 95008. We welcome patients with and without dental insurance and accept several payment methods, including credit card, cash, and check. If you currently do not have a dentist, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists today. We look forward to helping you!