Did you know that your overall health is linked, in part, to your oral health? In an article from the experts at Mayo Clinic, the research shows that because bacteria often enter through your mouth, keeping an oral hygiene routine is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Apple Tree Dental offers teeth cleanings that we typically recommend getting twice a year, but it’s also important to know how to properly clean your teeth at home for teeth cleaning maintenance.
Brushing After a Teeth Cleaning
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day makes a great difference in oral health. While it is ideal to brush after each meal to eliminate any harmful residues and plaque that start to build, that isn’t always realistic. Try brushing your teeth morning and night, and be sure to replace your toothbrush every few months to ensure that it remains effective. When it comes to clean teeth, you also want to be sure that you are using the proper brushing techniques. Whether you prefer an electric or manual toothbrush, you will want to hold it at an angle to the gumline, using small strokes to move along the front and back sides of your teeth.
Flossing After a Teeth Cleaning
Following professional teeth cleaning, you will also want to keep up with flossing. There are plenty of options to choose from, and the best one is the one that you will use most often. Flossing is most important at the end of the day because you have likely had a full day of eating. Most dentists recommend using about 18 inches of floss, allowing you to use a clean portion for each tooth. Curve the floss in a “U” shape so that it goes around the tooth, scraping the edges and removing the food and plaque that has started to build up.
Rinsing After a Teeth Cleaning
The simple act of swishing water around your mouth after eating is highly underrated. Juices, sodas, coffee, and even food can get stuck on the surface of your teeth, damaging them little by little. Swishing water or mouthwash is a simple tool for helping your teeth stay strong and supported. Many types of mouthwash come in travel sizes to make it convenient to do on the go. Doing this each day, or after each meal, can go a long way in maintaining oral health after a teeth cleaning.
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Keeping up with your oral health is simple! Schedule routine teeth cleaning a couple of times a year, and keep up with brushing, flossing, and rinsing to keep your teeth clean and happy. The more consistent you are with your oral hygiene routine, the more you can benefit your overall health and well-being. The dentists at Apple Tree Dental are happy to offer more tips, tricks, and even tutorials for the best methods of keeping up with your oral health. Call today to schedule your next teeth cleaning with a member of our team!
