Your oral health is like the foundation of a beautiful building, and regular teeth cleanings are the construction workers who make sure everything is running smoothly. However, your smile still requires maintenance and upkeep after you undergo teeth cleaning in Issaquah. Learn what this preventive procedure can do for your smile and find out which valuable practices you can adopt at home to become a master at preserving your oral health.
A teeth cleaning, also known as dental prophylaxis, is a routine procedure your dentist performs twice a year to take care of oral issues and prevent problems like decay and gum disease. During the cleaning, a dental professional scrapes plaque in your teeth and gums and then uses a rotating brush to remove the remaining bacteria. In some cases, dentists may apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel and help your mouth battle bacteria.
As effective as teeth cleanings are in keeping your teeth safe, they can't singlehandedly save your smile from plaque, tartar, and food debris. Therefore, you need to make certain habits a part of your daily life for a clean-looking and disease-free smile.
Brushing and flossing are game-changers when it comes to keeping plaque and tartar at bay before your next teeth cleaning. Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste to eliminate troublesome bacteria. Make sure to brush your teeth for two minutes and pay special attention to the gum line, where plaque is most likely to build up. Floss after brushing to take care of the hard-to-reach food bits your brush couldn't remove and use mouthwash to improve your breath.
What you eat dramatically impacts your oral health, so taking control of this can improve your smile. Foods high in sugar and acid make you more prone to cavities, while a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients strengthens your teeth and gums. To keep your mouth healthy, focus on eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit your intake of sugary and acidic treats. You'll be doing your teeth and gums a favor by incorporating snacks like:
Biting your nails affects your hands' aesthetics while damaging your teeth and gums. Nail biting puts stress on your teeth and introduces harmful bacteria into your mouth, exposing oral tissue to dental problems. If you're a nail-biter, try to break the habit by keeping your nails trimmed and moisturized and finding alternative ways to relieve stress, such as exercise or meditation.
Smoking can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems, so you're better off leaving this habit behind. When you smoke, having stained teeth and bad breath is the least of your troubles.
Cigarettes reduce saliva production, making it more difficult for your mouth to neutralize harmful acids and remove accumulated bacteria, which leads to severe dental conditions. If you smoke, try to quit or reduce your daily intake as much as possible.
You can talk to your dentist or physician for help, as they can provide resources and support.
Maintaining good oral health is a combination of regular professional cleanings and an effective self-care routine. By getting teeth cleanings, brushing your teeth, eating healthy, and avoiding harmful habits, you can preserve your smile for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about how APEX Dental Care can help you!
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