Regular dental cleanings protect your smile and prevent future dental issues. But after you exit the clinic, what you do to take care of your teeth at home has a great deal to do with maintaining those results. If you are curious as to how long should a dental cleaning last, that is dependent on your daily routine and options following your visit. A professional cleaning eliminates plaque and tartar buildup, but good oral hygiene will keep your teeth healthy in between appointments.
By doing things the right way, you can prolong the benefits of your cleaning and keep your teeth feeling and looking fresher longer. Here are some tips you should follow to keep your teeth healthy after a professional cleaning.
Brush Properly Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the easiest ways to help the effects of your dental cleanings in Sylvan Lake last longer. Brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque from your teeth without irritating your gums. Brushing for two full minutes, making sure to cover all areas, particularly the gum line, where plaque forms, is crucial.
Electric toothbrushes may be more efficient at plaque removal than manual toothbrushes. When using a manual toothbrush, position it at a 45-degree angle and use gentle circular strokes. Brushing too hard will wear away the enamel and cause gum irritation, resulting in sensitivity and recession with time.
Floss Daily to Remove Hidden Debris
Flossing may seem small, but it makes a big difference. It cleans the spaces your toothbrush can’t reach and helps prevent plaque buildup. Doing this every day after your cleaning will keep your teeth and gums in better shape and maintain the fresh feeling from your visit.
Flossing is particularly critical in the prevention of gum disease. If plaque is allowed to accumulate between teeth, it may become tartar and cause gum inflammation. To floss properly, use approximately 18 inches of floss, wind it around your fingers, and carefully slide it between your teeth. Pass it up and down along the surface of the tooth and under the gumline.
Rinse with a Gentle Mouthwash
Including mouthwash in your hygiene routine assists in killing bacteria and leaving your mouth smelling fresh. Mouthwash also aids in protecting your teeth by minimizing plaque and maintaining healthy gums. This is a simple step that aids in prolonging the effects of your cleaning, particularly when combined with brushing and flossing.
Select an alcohol-free mouthwash with antibacterial activity to decrease plaque formation and protect against cavities. Swish the mouthwash in your mouth for a minimum of 30 seconds before spitting. Daily use of mouthwash may also prevent bad breath by lowering the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
Reduce Sugary and Acidic Foods
Sweet snacks and sour beverages are unhealthy for your enamel and can bring about the buildup of plaque quicker. Try reducing the consumption of soda, sweets, and fast foods. If you do eat them, be sure to swish with water afterward to mitigate their effect.
Acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and products with vinegar may soften enamel with prolonged exposure. These foods are best eaten in small amounts and avoided from brushing immediately after ingestion, as the softened enamel is then eroded. Rinse the mouth out with water instead, and wait a minimum of 30 minutes before brushing.
Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Water is a necessity for oral health. Water cleanses remnants of food away, maintains moistness in your mouth, and aids saliva generation. Drinking water daily maintains a clean state between meals and enables more enduring effects from dental cleanings.
Saliva is responsible for neutralizing acids in the mouth and cleansing food particles from the mouth. If your mouth tends to feel dry frequently, try chewing sugar-free gum to activate saliva production. Drinking water is one of the simplest means of ensuring good oral health.
Avoid Tobacco for Better Oral Health
Tobacco stains your teeth and damages your gums. It can easily negate the benefits of having your cleaning done after using them. Avoiding tobacco, in addition to making your cleaning last, will also promote a healthier life overall.
Smoking and chewing tobacco raise the risk of oral cancer and gum disease. It can also lead to persistent yellow stains on teeth, which cannot be removed by professional cleaning. If you are already a user of tobacco, try to get help to quit for the health of your oral as well as overall health.
Don’t Skip Dental Checkups
Even with the proper care at home, it’s necessary to keep regular checkups. Professional cleaning dislodges tartar that brushing and flossing can’t. A regular schedule with your dentist is essential to ensure oral health.
Everyone should see their dentist a minimum of twice per year for an examination and professional cleaning. But if you have gum disease or other dental issues, you may need to see them more often. A dentist in Sylvan Lake can give you individualized information on taking care of your teeth and avoiding future dental issues.
Searching for Credible Dental Care in Your Area?
Have you been looking for a reliable dentist near you to assist you in keeping your teeth clean and healthy? Having a reliable clinic that specializes in preventive care will enable you to get the most from each dental visit.
Take the Next Step Toward a Cleaner, Healthier Smile
It does make a large impact on how long the effects of your dental cleaning will last. Brushing, flossing, not doing things that can be hurtful, and keeping your checkups in order will keep your teeth and gums healthy.
At Sylvan Lake Dental Centre, we’re dedicated to keeping your smile healthy every day. If you’re due for your next checkup or dental cleaning, book your appointment with us today. Our welcoming staff is here to care for your dental health and ensure you’re smiling confidently.