Teeth Cleaning in 37128 Tips to Live By

Before spending a ton of money on cosmetic dental treatments, evaluate yourself. How well do you care for your teeth at home? A beautiful smile is admirable, but what’s the point of cosmetic enhancements if underneath them are decayed teeth?  

What good are veneers if the gums surrounding your teeth are red, bleeding, and swollen? While it’s easy to have your cosmetic dentist fix your teeth, you can save money if you practice teeth cleaning in 37128. Even if you end up with a nicer smile after a restoration, oral hygiene is paramount to maintaining them.    

Teeth Cleaning Tips to Practice for a Healthy Smile

What’s the Importance of Teeth Cleaning?  

Teeth cleaning is a lifetime commitment. It’s an integral aspect of maintaining a healthy mouth. Keeping your teeth clean daily is a must to avoid plaque and tartar buildup. If you fail to remove plaque on the surface of your teeth within 48 hours, it will transform into tartar, which is impossible to remove with brushing and flossing alone.  

The accumulation of tartar can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Besides robbing you of a beautiful smile, it will compromise your oral health.

What Are the Benefits of Following an Oral Care Routine?

#1 Prevents Cavities

Plaque, a sticky biofilm teeming with bacteria, constantly coats the surface of your teeth. The rate at which it forms depends on many factors, including how much saliva your mouth produces, dental habits, and diet.

It’s important to practice proper oral hygiene to avoid plaque buildup because if plaque is not removed, it will secrete acids that will slowly eat away the outermost layer of your tooth, creating pits and holes called cavities. Besides daily brushing, part of cavity prevention is regularly visiting your dentist for cleanings to keep plaque under control.

#2 Reduces Risk of Gum Disease

Did you know plaque and tartar can also cause gum disease?

Gum disease is an oral health problem that affects millions of people in America. It is caused by the plaque buildup on the gums, which results in gum inflammation and infection.  

If gum disease isn’t caught and treated early, it will progress into advanced-stage gum disease, possibly leading to tooth loss and other serious health problems. Teeth cleaning can help prevent gum deterioration.

#3 Freshens Breath

Poor oral hygiene is one of the culprits of bad breath. Food particles left in the mouth can decompose and cause an unpleasant smell. Additionally, bacteria residing in the mouth can produce sulfuric compounds with a pungent odor, adding to the problem.

To avoid bad breath, it is crucial to practice regular teeth cleaning by brushing and flossing to eliminate the bacteria and food particles responsible for the unpleasant smell.  

Furthermore, getting professional teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist or dentist is vital in removing plaque and tartar accumulation that may worsen bad breath.

#4 Improves Overall Health

Research shows a strong link between oral health and overall health. Poor oral health has been associated with a range of medical problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Maintaining good oral hygiene and getting regular teeth cleanings can reduce your risk of developing these health problems.

#5 Saves Money in the Long Run

Most people view routine cleanings and checkups as an additional expense. On the contrary, these preventive measures save you money in the long run. How?  

If you neglect your oral health, you could have cavities, gum disease, or worse, tooth abscesses requiring expensive dental treatments (root canals, tooth extractions, or fillings). Focusing on preventive dental care means you don’t have to spend money on tooth restoration.  

#6 Improves the Appearance of Your Teeth  

One of the cheapest ways to make your smile look attractive is to brush and floss daily. Brushing helps remove surface stains that are dulling your smile. Aside from brushing, professional teeth cleanings can remove stubborn stains exposing your teeth’s natural whiteness.  

What Teeth Cleaning Rules Should You Follow?

#1 Follow the Proper Brushing Technique

Are you brushing your teeth properly? If you’re not following dentist-approved techniques, plaque and tartar can damage your teeth and gums.    

• Brush twice a day: It's important to brush your teeth at least twice daily, ideally in the morning and before bed. This helps to remove plaque and bacteria that have accumulated over the course of the day, as well as any food particles that may be stuck in your teeth.
• Use a fluoride-based toothpaste: Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Make sure to choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride and use a pea-sized amount on your toothbrush.
• Brush in a circular motion: When brushing, use a gentle circular motion rather than a back-and-forth motion. This helps to remove plaque and bacteria from all surfaces of your teeth, including hard-to-reach areas between teeth and around the gum line.
• Don't forget to clean your tongue: Your tongue can harbor bacteria contributing to bad breath, so brush your tongue with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper to remove any buildup.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on your teeth and gums and can help to prevent damage to tooth enamel and gum tissue.
• Brush for at least two minutes: Aim to brush your teeth at least two minutes each time you brush. This ensures you have enough time to clean all surfaces of your teeth thoroughly.
• Replace your toothbrush regularly: Over time, the bristles can become frayed and less effective at removing plaque and bacteria. Replace your toothbrush every three months or if the bristles become worn.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure you brush your teeth effectively and maintain good oral hygiene.

#2 Observe The Proper Way to Floss

Flossing is just as important as brushing since it helps remove plaque and bacteria between your teeth and along the gum line, where the bristles of your toothbrush can't reach. Here are some important points to keep in mind when it comes to proper flossing technique:

• Floss daily: It's important to floss your teeth at least once a day to remove any food particles, plaque, and bacteria that have accumulated between your teeth.
• Use the correct technique: To floss properly, break off a piece of floss about 18 inches long. Leave about an inch or two of floss between each middle finger after wrapping most of the floss around one. You should hold the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers and slide it between your teeth. Curve the floss around the tooth and carefully slide it up and down against the tooth and beneath the gum line.
• Use interdental brushes or water flossers if necessary: If you have trouble flossing or have bridges, braces or other dental device that makes flossing difficult, consider using interdental brushes or a water flosser to clean between your teeth.
• Be gentle: It's important to be gentle when flossing to avoid injuring your gums or causing bleeding. Use a light touch and avoid snapping the floss between your teeth.
• Don't reuse floss: Once you've used a piece of floss, throw it away and use a fresh piece for your next flossing session.
• Consider flossing before brushing: Some dental professionals recommend flossing before brushing to help loosen and remove any debris between your teeth, making it easier for your toothbrush to clean them effectively.

By following these flossing techniques, you can ensure that you are removing plaque and bacteria from between your teeth, helping to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Remember to floss at least once a day and to use the right technique to get the most benefit from your flossing routine.

#3 Don’t Forget Your Mouthwash

Mouthwash should be part of your oral hygiene routine as it helps kill bacteria and freshen your breath. The following are some tips to remember when using mouthwash:  

• Rinse with mouthwash after brushing: After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with mouthwash to help destroy any remaining bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Choose a mouthwash that suits your needs: There are many different types of mouthwash available, including those that target bad breath, reduce plaque and gingivitis, and whiten teeth. Choose a mouthwash that suits your individual needs.
• Measure the correct amount: Read the label on your mouthwash and measure the correct amount as directed. Generally, this is around 20-30ml, about four to six teaspoons.
• Swish the mouthwash around your mouth: Pour it into your mouth and swish it for around 30 seconds to one minute. Make sure to swish the mouthwash around all areas of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, and tongue.
• Spit out the mouthwash: Spit it out into the sink after swishing it around your mouth. Do not swallow the mouthwash, as it can be harmful if ingested.
• Do not rinse your mouth after using mouthwash: After spitting out the mouthwash, do not rinse with water since this will dilute the effects of the mouthwash and reduce its effectiveness.
• Use mouthwash at different times of the day: You can use mouthwash at different times of the day, such as after eating, to freshen your breath and kill bacteria.
• Do not use mouthwash as a substitute for brushing and flossing: Mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, which are essential for removing plaque from your teeth and gums.

Need Help with Teeth Cleaning in 37128?

To keep your mouth healthy, not only should you follow these tips, but you should also visit your dentist regularly for professional teeth cleanings. At Stonetrace Family Dental, we are committed to providing high-quality dental care for the whole family. Contact us today for a consultation and make dental care a fun and enjoyable part of your routine!