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At-home dental care routines should be performed every day. By maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, you can reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Here are the most common ways to do so:

Daily Brushing and Flossing

Brushing and flossing your teeth every day is the best way to help ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong. Not doing so can lead to problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. By staying on top of your oral health, you can help prevent these issues from developing in the first place.

Brushing is just as important to oral health as flossing is. You should brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice per day. When doing so, use a toothbrush with a soft-bristled head and soft bristles, so you don’t damage your gums. Using a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush could irritate sensitive gums and cause bleeding. You should also use fluoride toothpaste when you brush your teeth to help strengthen your teeth over time. 

Flossing should be done at least once per day to remove food particles from between teeth and below the gum line that a toothbrush can’t reach. When you use dental floss, be sure to gently glide the floss between teeth without snapping it back and forth. Snapping the floss back and forth can cause damage to your gums. 

Rinsing With An Antibacterial Mouthwash

The dentist may instruct you to use an antibacterial mouthwash after brushing and flossing. An antibacterial mouthwash, when used in conjunction with proper oral hygiene practices like daily brushing and flossing, may help reduce your risk of gum disease. However, it is important that you speak with your dentist before using any mouth rinse. Certain types of mouthwashes can disturb the balancing of oral flora in the mouth. This could lead to the overgrowth of some bacteria and yeast species, which may not be desirable for your oral health. Your dentist can recommend an appropriate mouth rinse for you to use, as well as help you monitor its effects.

Regular Dental Checkups

During your checkup, we will clean your teeth to remove any tartar or plaque buildup from the surfaces of the teeth. We will also check your gums for any signs of gum disease and talk to you about what you can do to improve your oral health between visits with us. This may include things like improving your oral hygiene routine or changing your eating habits.

Changing Your Toothbrush Every 3 Months

Dentists recommend replacing toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months or after an illness. Even if the bristles look clean, harmful bacteria can build up in the toothbrush and be transferred to the mouth. Dental tools for cleaning between teeth should also be replaced on a regular basis. Toothbrushes with frayed bristles may irritate the gums and damage tooth enamel. Tightly packed bristles may also damage your gums and tooth enamel. To avoid these outcomes, replace old brushes as soon as possible.

We encourage you to discover ways to achieve a healthy smile. For comprehensive dental care, visit Dawkins Family Dental at 440 N Lamar Blvd, Oxford, MS 38655. Call us at (662) 234-5725 for appointments.