Your Astoria, NY, dentist is still here for your emergency dental needs, ensuring you continue to enjoy a strong smile and avoid major oral health complications. But we’re still limiting care for non-essential preventive and cosmetic services. Which means taking better care of your smile from home is crucial for strengthening your oral health and avoiding issues like cavities or periodontal disease.
Brushing The Right Way
Often, people do brush their teeth twice a day as the American Dental Association recommends. However, they may do so poorly, which still leaves them vulnerable to issues like tooth decay and gum disease. To properly clean your smile, each session should last no less than two minutes. Be sure you reach every available surface of your teeth. Using a fluoride toothpaste is also crucial, as this contains minerals that strengthen the outer tooth enamel and shore up protections for your smile. Many people brush too hard, so we suggest using a toothbrush, whether manual or electric, with soft bristles. Cleaning your teeth properly helps remove food particles from your smile, which lowers the risk of plaque buildup and in turn, lowers the chances of tooth decay and periodontal issues.
Flossing Each Night
While brushing is very effective for safeguarding your smile, it alone is not enough to keep your smile strong and healthy. We often find people who brush regularly don’t floss as regularly. Without routine flossing, food particles could remain lodged between the teeth and out of reach of your toothbrush’s bristles. You should floss up and down each side of every tooth. Be sure you dip below the gum line when you do!
Enjoying Healthier Snack Choices
When bacteria break down sugary and starchy particles, this elevates oral acidity and coats the teeth in a sticky, harmful layer of plaque buildup. To help prevent this, you should always watch what you eat and drink. Try to cut back on sugary and starchy food items, and drink more water in lieu of sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks, or sports drinks. Healthy snack options include fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat yogurts and whole grain items, nuts, and cheeses. Sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production to cleanse your smile, and also inhibits your urge to snack too. If you have any questions about keeping your smile safe and healthy from home, then please contact our team today. We want to help you and your family make better choices for your smiles!
Do You Have Questions About Improving Oral Hygiene?
With a better daily routine, you can help safeguard your smile against a wide range of issues, including tooth decay and gum disease. To learn more about improving your homecare habits, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
