Top 3 Ways to Care for Your Teeth Between Dental Visit

The American Dental Association advises most adults to visit the dentist twice per year, although some people may need to go more often. If you’re in-between visits—or simply unable to get to your dentist right now due to social distancing measures needed to slow the spread of the pandemic illness COVID-19—our Hilliard dentist team wants you to know there are plenty of things you can do to at home to take care of your teeth and gums.

3 Ways to Take Care of Your Teeth Between Dental Visits

1. Brush and floss teeth regularly.

Brushing at least twice per day and flossing at least once daily—in addition to daily use of an antiseptic oral rinse with fluoride—is the best way to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Basic oral hygiene gets rid of the bacteria in your mouth which can cause plaque, tartar, inflammation, infections, and more.

Be sure to brush for at least 2 minutes and use a high-quality manual or electric toothbrush. Avoid brushing too hard—otherwise, you could damage your gums or tooth enamel. As for flossing, be sure to get in between each tooth. Ask a Hilliard dentist for technique pointers!

2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle overall.

Your oral health is intricately connected to your overall well-being. For example, we know that gum disease is correlated with other health conditions like dementia and heart disease.

In good news, taking care of your overall health also protects your teeth and gums. So, be sure to practice the following lifestyle habits:

• Avoid sugary and processed foods and drinks, which promote harmful bacterial growth in the mouth
• Eat nutritious foods with plenty of vitamins and minerals
• Stop using cigarettes, vape products, and smokeless products like chewing tobacco—or simply never start

3. Protect your teeth.

Many of our favorite sports and activities—from soccer to skateboarding—pose the potential for accidental trauma to the mouth, which may lead to injuries like cracked or broken teeth.

While our Hilliard dental team is accepting emergency appointments right now, it’s still important to wear the recommended protective gear during your activities of choice, including mouthguards, face shields, and helmets.

 

Don’t wait! Schedule your next dental exam and cleaning at Fishinger Dental by calling (614) 771-6060 today.