Dr. Dhara Patel and the team at Best Dental Spa provide professional dental care and offer general, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options to patients. But there are also some tips you can use at home to make sure that you’re maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Learn more below to help you maintain a happy and healthy smile:
Brush and Floss Every Day
It may seem obvious, but brushing and flossing teeth daily really is important. For most people, dentists recommend brushing and flossing twice a day. If possible, you can brush and floss your teeth after every meal. Food particles on and between teeth can turn into tartar and then plaque. Removing these particles can help prevent plaque buildup and prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Replace Toothbrushes and Use Fluoride
Replace your toothbrush or brush head about every three months. When brush bristles are bent out of shape they clean less effectively. Bacteria can also accumulate on toothbrushes over time. You can also use toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride after brushing your teeth. Fluoride is a salt that helps prevent tooth decay and fight cavities.
Eat Healthy Foods
Soda, candy, and other sugary snacks can accelerate tooth decay. Healthier foods like fruits and vegetables can benefit your physical and oral health. The crunchy texture of foods like celery and apples can scrape food particles off of teeth and stimulate saliva production to keep your mouth clean. Dairy products that are rich in calcium help strengthen your teeth.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum Between Meals
Gum can stick to food particles and them off the teeth. Chewing gum also stimulates saliva production which cleans the mouth and can slow tooth decay and the formation of cavities. Be sure to choose a sugar-free gum if you choose to chew gum because they do not cause cavities.
Schedule Check-ups
Getting a regular checkup every six months allows Dr. Patel and her team to see if there are any developing oral health problems that need to be treated. Even if you follow all of our other dental hygiene tips, regular professional cleanings are important as our dentists are able to reach areas that are difficult to clean.
Schedule an Appointment
Call Best Dental Spa today at 847.660.6603 for comfortable and comprehensive care. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Patel online here.