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Taking care of your teeth at home is just as important as visiting the dentist regularly. Read on to learn about some of the best at-home practices for a beautiful smile.

Brush and floss your teeth

Daily brushing and flossing are the foundation of a healthy smile. Most patients brush their teeth twice a day, but it is important to keep in mind that it takes at least two minutes to thoroughly clean each tooth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque buildup and food debris from your smile. Consider using an electric or sonic toothbrush for the best results. For patients who struggle with manual dexterity, consider using a floss pick or water flosser to remove bacteria and food particles from the tight spaces between teeth and along the gum line.

While brushing your teeth is one of the most important at-home practices for a healthy smile, it’s not the only step you need to take. Be sure to floss every day as well! This removes plaque from hard-to-reach areas between teeth. However, it’s important to use the right techniques for flossing. If you thread the floss too far under your gums, you can cause damage. Avoid this by wrapping the ends of the floss around your fingers and gently moving it up and down along the sides of each tooth. Then, remove and discard any food particles or bits of plaque that collect between the teeth using a clean section of floss. Talk to your dentist about how often you should be flossing. In some cases, you may need to floss more than once a day. 

Use an antibacterial mouthwash

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, patients should also be rinsing their mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash or salt water rinse throughout the day to prevent tartar buildup around the brackets and wires. Rinsing after a snack can also help to remove any leftover debris from between the teeth so that it does not have a chance to become trapped underneath the braces.

Tobacco-free Lifestyle

Smoking cigarettes can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, as well as yellowing or discoloration of your teeth over time. In addition, tobacco products can have a negative impact on your overall health as well. Using a tobacco-free lifestyle is essential to keeping your mouth healthy and attractive.

To help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, avoid smoking or using other tobacco products. If you are having trouble quitting tobacco use, speak with your doctor about smoking cessation products that can help. Avoid chewing on non-edible items that contain sugar, as they can increase your risk of tooth decay.

In addition to improving your dental health, avoiding tobacco use can improve your overall quality of life as well. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of heart disease, lung disease, and stroke, as well as help you to live longer.

Regular Checkups

In addition to at-home care, it is essential to visit your dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and exam. These routine cleanings remove the hard-to-reach plaque and tartar that accumulates over time. They also give our team the opportunity to check for signs of tooth decay or other oral health concerns to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy for a lifetime.

At Arizona Dental, we ensure to provide each of our patients with a positive and relaxing experience. If you're ready to experience the best dental care, please contact us from your nearest location. We will be happy to guide you further.