How to Improve the Health of Your Teeth at Home

Good oral hygiene is important for keeping teeth and gums healthy. It involves regular habits, such as brushing your teeth and attending annual dental checkups. Without integrating healthy habits into their daily lives, patients could suffer from cavities and tooth decay, which may lead to even worse issues, like tooth loss. People can prevent these problems before they begin by following the advice of professional dentists. At MINT dentistry, we provide some of our best oral care tips at our offices in Dallas and Houston, TX. Schedule your next appointment or consultation by reaching out to our office today.

How to brush your teeth

Your first tips for healthy teeth and gums include getting the right toothbrush. Most dentists agree that a soft-bristled brush is the best way to remove plaque and other debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are preferable because they can reach nearly every corner of the mouth. Sometimes, patients prefer electric toothbrushes for even deeper cleaning. If you have dentures or other restorations, you may benefit from certain dental tools to keep your healthy teeth free from bacteria. When you visit with your dentist at MINT dentistry, we can make suggestions about toothbrush types and which brands to use.

Toothbrushes need to be replaced every three months, or every time they begin to show the classic signs of wear and tear. Teeth cleaning equipment should be stored so they can air dry in an upright position, away from other toothbrushes. Patients should also change toothbrushes after a cold or recent sickness to prevent reinfection. After finding the right brush, the next step is to choose the right toothpaste. Today, a number of types of toothpaste are designed to prevent cavities and other dental issues. Again, your dentist can help decide which one is right for you.

Learn how to brush your teeth from the experts at MINT dentistry in Dallas and Houston, TX. Begin by brushing your teeth from the front to the back, moving from the left side of the mouth to the right. Patients need to clean the inner and outer surface of the teeth, as well as the chewing surface. But keep in mind that teeth are not the only things that need to be cleaned. The tongue, the roof of the mouth, and the insides of the cheeks can also store food particles and harmful bacteria that negatively affect your oral health.

The importance of dental floss

Other tips for healthy teeth and gums include flossing on a regular basis. Even though brushing covers many surfaces of the teeth, floss can get to the hard-to-reach corners even better than traditional bristles. Flossing at least once a day, or whenever necessary, prevents conditions ranging from bad breath to gum disease, both of which are caused by the formation of plaque and tartar. During your examination at MINT dentistry, we can assess your teeth and make sure the areas in between your healthy teeth are clean. Our staff may also discuss the importance of dental floss if you don’t use flossing techniques at home.

After teaching you how to brush your teeth, MINT dentistry can show you how to floss as well. Dental floss is usually available in string or ribbon formats, and can be waxed or unwaxed. They also come in different flavors. After cutting off a piece of floss between 18 – 20 inches long, wrap each side of the floss several times around your middle fingers. Carefully move the floss in between the teeth, making sure to go below the gum line. If you notice excessive bleeding when flossing, let your physician at MINT dentistry know so we can examine the area.

Learn more oral care tips

MINT dentistry is proud to bring countless smiles to the faces of patients all over the Dallas and Houston, TX areas. Our caring staff of dentists takes the time to answer every question and attend to your needs. Services include traditional orthodontics, teeth whitening, and restorations that look and feel just like your natural healthy teeth. Our high-quality products, paired with remarkable patient care, are a winning combination. Since we believe everyone deserves a beautiful smile, we also offer affordable services that meet everyone’s budget.

The staff at MINT dentistry understands that these are uncertain times. With the recent spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), we still want to make sure patients get the services they need, even if it’s from the comfort of their home. Learn more tips for healthy teeth and gums by scheduling a virtual consultation with our team. We provide information about how to brush your teeth, oral care tips, the importance of dental floss, and more. MINT dentistry also has offices open for essential dental care.