Lay the Foundation of a Healthy Smile with Good Oral Hygiene

You are the owner of your smile, which means the responsibility for keeping it healthy and beautiful ultimately lies with you. Your dentist and hygienist can guide, treat, and support you, but daily habits are what truly determine your long-term oral health. 

Observe the following tips to maintain your smile at home: 

• Brush twice daily: You may have heard this before, but we’ll reiterate it nonetheless. Brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Reach every surface of your tooth to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Don’t forget to clean your tongue to eliminate harmful bacteria and freshen your breath. You can also consider a tongue scraper for a more effective job.
• Floss like a boss: Your toothbrush reaches about 60% of your tooth surfaces! Floss your teeth daily to clean areas your toothbrush can’t reach. For patients with dental bridges and implants, use a water flosser or floss threaders for an effective job.
• Consider an oral rinse: An alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash is an effective addition to your oral hygiene routine. It helps wash away loosened debris and kills harmful bacteria from hard-to-reach surfaces.
• Eat healthily: Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining your oral health. Reduce the intake of sugary, acidic, and highly processed foods. Among many things, consider dairy products, veggies, and calcium-rich foods to keep your smile healthy. 

Yes! Even with good at-home oral hygiene, dental visits are still important. Visit your Cleveland dentist at least twice a year, or more often if needed. During these visits, we assess your teeth and gums to detect issues such as gum disease and decay that may have gone unnoticed at home. We also professionally clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar from areas your toothbrush cannot reach. Dental visits and good at-home oral hygiene complement each other to keep your smile healthy and radiant.