Good dental care keeps your mouth healthy and your smile bright. But if you’re not conducting proper daily dental care, then you might be damaging your oral health. That’s why our Sacramento dentist wants to tell you 15 fun and easy ways to improve your dental care game.
Figuring out what your smile needs to thrive starts with a visit to Timothy E. Mickiewicz, D.D.S., in Sacramento, CA. Call us at (916) 469-9178 to see how we can help you fine-tune your dental care regimen today!
Now, let’s see how you can make simple changes to your dental care game to improve your oral health significantly.
1. Brush the Right Way
Brushing your teeth is important, but how you do it matters. Here’s what you need to know:
- Use toothpaste with fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite to keep teeth strong.
- Brush very gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Brush for two full minutes, twice a day.
- Use a tongue scraper to remove plaque from the tongue.
2. Floss Every Single Day
Make it a daily habit! Flossing helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Some people find flossing hard, but using floss picks or water flossers can make it easier.
Try to floss before brushing at night so you can remove food and plaque before bed.
3. Pick the Right Toothpaste
Not all toothpaste is the same. Choose one with enamel-repairing ingredients, like fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite, to strengthen your teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, look for a toothpaste made for sensitivity.
4. Change Your Toothbrush Often
Bacteria can build up on an old toothbrush, which isn’t good for your dental care. And worn bristles can’t clean the way they’re supposed to. That’s why our Sacramento dentist recommends replacing toothbrushes after four months of use. If you’ve been sick, change your toothbrush right away to avoid getting sick again.
5. Rinse with Mouthwash
An alcohol-free mouthwash freshens breath and kills bacteria. It also reduces plaque and helps prevent gum disease. So, swish for 30 seconds after brushing to keep your mouth fresh and healthy.
6. Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps prevent bad breath and cavities by washing away food and bacteria. Drinking water (especially after meals) helps rinse away sugars and acids that can cause tooth decay. It also keeps your mouth moist, which helps prevent dry mouth.
Staying hydrated is great for your overall health, too. Try to drink water instead of sugary drinks like soda or juice. Making water your go-to drink is a great way to improve your dental care.
7. Eat Tooth-Friendly Foods
Crisp, fresh fruits and veggies (like celery and apples) clean your teeth as you chew. Dairy products (like yogurt and cheese) help protect your enamel. Nuts and lean proteins are also great choices because they contain nutrients that support strong teeth.
Try to avoid sticky or chewy foods that get caught in your teeth. And be cautious when eating very hard foods, like nuts and hard candy.
Remember: Eating a balanced diet is an important part of your dental care routine and helps keep your smile looking great.
8. Avoid Sugary Drinks and Snacks
Sugar feeds the bacteria that are responsible for cavities and gum disease. To keep these bacteria under control, try to drink less soda and eat fewer sugary snacks. When you do indulge, rinse your mouth with clean water and wait at least 20 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Sticky candies are especially bad for your teeth because they stick to your enamel. Acidic drinks, like soda and sports drinks, weaken your enamel over time. If you need a sweet treat, choose fresh fruit instead. Cutting back on sugar is one of the best things you can do for your dental care.
9. Don’t Forget Your Tongue
Bacteria love to hang around on your tongue. While brushing your tongue removes some of these microbes, a tongue scraper is the best tool for the job.
A clean tongue helps prevent bad breath and improves overall oral hygiene. If you’ve never cleaned your tongue before, you may be surprised at how much fresher your mouth feels after doing it. Brushing your tongue only takes a few extra seconds but makes a big difference in your dental care routine.
10. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum gets saliva flowing, which helps protect against cavities and bad breath. Look for gum with xylitol, which adds artificial sweetness to your gum while also fighting cavity-causing bacteria.
Chewing gum after meals is an easy way to keep your mouth clean, especially if you can’t brush right away. Just make sure it’s sugar-free so you don’t add more sugar to your teeth. This small habit can be a great addition to your dental care routine.
11. Wear a Mouthguard for Sports
If you play sports, protecting your teeth with a mouthguard is critical. These devices can prevent broken teeth and injuries to your lips and gums.
Accidents happen, and a mouthguard can save your smile from costly damage. Whether you play contact sports or just enjoy an active lifestyle, wearing a mouthguard is a smart choice for dental care.
12. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Teeth are for chewing food, not opening bottles, tearing packages open, or trimming fingernails. Using teeth as utensils can cause chips, cracks, or breaks.
Damaged teeth can be painful and expensive to fix. Instead of using your teeth, grab the right tools, like scissors or a bottle opener. Protecting your teeth from unnecessary damage is an easy way to improve your dental care.
13. Visit Your Sacramento Dentist Regularly
Staying on top of dental visits is a key part of good dental care. That’s why we recommend seeing your dentist in Sacramento, CA, twice a year to help catch problems early. Dr. Mickiewicz can clean your teeth and check for any issues before they get worse. We can also give you tips for better brushing and flossing.
14. Quit Smoking or Vaping
Smoking and vaping stain your teeth, harm your gums, and increase your risk of oral cancers. Furthermore, smoking reduces blood flow to your gums, making it harder for your mouth to heal. Quitting is a great step for better dental care. If you need help quitting, talk to our Sacramento dentist or doctor.
15. Pay Attention to Changes
If you have pain, bleeding gums, or bad breath that won’t go away, see our dentist in Sacramento right away. Catching problems early makes them easier to fix. So, don’t ignore signs that something may be wrong – schedule a visit with Timothy E. Mickiewicz, D.D.S., today.
Smile Brighter with Timothy E. Mickiewicz, D.D.S., in Sacramento, CA
Improving your dental care doesn’t have to be hard. Incorporating these small changes into your routine can make a big difference without adding too much stress to your busy life. Have more questions about how to improve your dental care at home? Talk to Timothy E. Mickiewicz!
Contact our Sacramento dentist here, or call us at (916) 469-9178 for personalized care.
