Even when you get your dental cleanings twice a year, more is required to keep teeth healthy for the long haul. These are the only natural teeth you’ll ever get, so you need to make your dental cleaning last as long as possible. Good oral hygiene is essential, and it doesn’t have to require lots of time or complex steps.
For more guidance on how to make your professional dental cleaning last longer, keep reading:
Regular Brushing and Flossing
The single most important thing to do to prolong the effects of your dental cleaning is to take care of your teeth in the interim. Tooth decay happens when plaque and bacterial growth build up on the teeth. You can minimize the effects of this on your teeth by brushing twice a day. You should also floss daily.
Both of these simple actions can prevent gum disease and cavities. It takes just two minutes to brush your teeth and could help improve the health of tooth enamel exponentially.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
While brushing and flossing are certainly important, you can minimize tooth decay by avoiding unhealthy foods like those with high sugar content (think candy and sodas or foods with hidden sugar). Good oral hygiene doesn’t allow for these types of foods and beverages. If you indulge in something less than ideal, follow with proper brushing to keep the teeth clean.
You can also consume healthy foods that are good for preventing plaque buildup. These include crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots. Naturally, calcium-rich foods like dairy products are also a great option to improve oral health until your next professional cleaning.
Take Care of Health Conditions
In addition to taking care of your oral health, you also need to think about the whole picture of your health. Take care of conditions that contribute to dry mouth, allowing plaque to build up. You should also combat conditions that place stomach acid on the teeth, such as GERD or acid reflux.
If you have eating disorders that result in frequent vomiting, your dental cleanings may not last as long.
Take proper care of your overall health, as it can influence how long a teeth cleaning lasts. Dental problems often start as problems in other parts of the body. Medical treatments can also help you to make your dental cleaning last longer.
Switch to Sugarless Gum
At Dental House, we recommend sugar-free gum as a great way to minimize bad breath and it can also help your tooth health. When you chew gum, you get significantly more saliva flow which can help to remove plaque and buildup along the gum line and the surface of the teeth. Plus, the xylitol in many sugarless gums can also prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Use Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a great tool that you can use to prolong your dental cleanings. The Canadian Dental Association recommends that everyone use fluoride treatments to help remineralize their teeth. Many areas have this key ingredient in their water supply, but you can supplement it with toothpaste and mouthwash containing fluoride.
The foods you eat may naturally damage your enamel and eventually lead to dental problems. However, you can prevent cavities from forming and the enamel from wearing away with this one savvy move.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today
Are you ready to get a deeper clean on your teeth? It might be time for you to schedule a dental cleaning in Saskatoon at Dental House. We can help you ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy for years to come. Contact us today to set up your appointment, and let us help you create a beautiful smile that you can be proud of!