5 Steps to Clean Teeth Between Dentist Visits

Cavities are one of the most unmet health treatment needs today. Untreated, they can lead to infection, pain, and trouble with eating and speaking.

Keeping clean teeth between your dental visits will help to reduce cavities. But what are some ways to clean your teeth in between visits?

While it might seem tough to take optimal care, it doesn’t have to be! Read this guide on how to clean your teeth between dental visits.

1. Brush at Least Twice a Day

Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush since harder bristles could cause damage to tooth enamel and your gums. For best results, brush after every meal.

How to clean teeth:

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gums
• Brush all teeth surfaces, including the sides and backs
• Brush each tooth between 10-15 times
• Never brush too hard since it could make your teeth sensitive and lead to gum recession

2. Floss Daily

Brushing won’t reach the spaces between your teeth, hence why flossing is vital. Use floss that’s about 18 inches long.

Wrap it around your middle fingers. Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide it between your teeth.

Use a C shape to wrap the floss around your tooth about 10 times with up and down strokes. Wrap it around the other teeth one at a time. Remember that water flossers can remove large pieces of food but not biofilm that builds from tooth surfaces.

3. Use Mouthwash

Use a mouthwash with flouride. It could help prevent tooth decay.

Avoid using mouthwash right after brushing. This is because you’ll rinse off the concentrated fluoride before it can work. After mouthwash, avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of oral cancer, a disease that can be deadly if not treated early. It could also increase your risk of gum disease.

Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Tobacco causes an imbalance of oral bacteria which contributes to gum disease.

It could also cause:

• A build-up of tartar which could require more dental cleanings
• Stains on your teeth that can’t be removed with regular brushing
• Bad breath

5. Eat More Healthy Foods

While sugar and soda are terrible for your teeth, some foods contribute to dental health. Crisp and firm foods such as popcorn, celery, apples, and raw carrots could help reduce plaque.

Exploring Tips To Clean Teeth Between Dental Visits

After exploring this guide, you should better understand how to have clean teeth between dental visits. Remember that just using these tips won’t be enough; you’ll still need to see your dentist.

Are you having trouble finding the right dentist for your needs? The right dentist will keep your unique dental health in check and help prevent cavities.

Contact us today! Our staff and qualified doctors in Wilmington, NC work hard with the latest advancements in dentistry techniques to help keep your teeth in pristine condition.