You have the chance, every day, to care for your smile and help prevent costly and uncomfortable oral health problems down the road. Our Santa Monica dentists are here to give you tips on how to care for your smile and keep plaque at bay as much as possible. Keep reading to get more information!
- Consistency is key
Because plaque is continually accumulating and compounding in your mouth, it is crucial that you thoroughly clean your smile on a regular basis. For most people, this means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day—don’t skip! If your oral health needs justify a different type of schedule your dental team will let you know!
- Timing matters
Make smart decisions about when you clean your smile during the day. Generally, the recommendation is to brush your teeth in the morning in order to clear away plaque that has developed during the night. Then, floss your teeth before bed, and brush your teeth right after you floss: this allows you to give your smile a clean slate before you go to bed.
- Rinse away
Your dentist may recommend that you incorporate a mouth rinse into your daily routine—mouthwash can be a helpful finishing step in your daily oral health routine. Beyond that, take the time to rinse your mouth with water after you eat and drink. This not only clears away remaining dental debris; it also helps to jump-start saliva production. Saliva works to neutralize bacteria and re-mineralize dental enamel!
Our Santa Monica dentists are here to help you make healthy decisions for your smile. Even if it has been a long time since you’ve been in to see the dentist, it’s never too late to get your smile back on track. Give us a call to learn more and schedule a personal consultation with our team!