Top Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums Between Dental Visits

Regular dental visits are important. At Melton Dental, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health with top-notch dental care when you visit us for regular check-ups. 

But you might ask – what happens in between those check-ups? That’s where you come in! 

Along with regular dental visits, following a proper oral care routine at home is equally important. By doing so, you’ll be able to avoid a whole lot of problems that arise due to poor oral hygiene, such as cavities, gum disease and other health issues such as diabetes and infections. Not fun to deal with, right? 

Don’t worry because our team at Melton Dental is here to help you take care of your oral health. How? By empowering you with all the information and steps you need to take to maintain your oral health in between dental visits. 

So, here are some top tips from our dental experts for maintaining a healthy smile:

Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily 

We all know the importance of brushing and how it can prevent dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Now, this may seem like a no-brainer, but the question is – are you doing it right? Don’t stress because we are here to refresh your memory about proper brushing techniques: 

• Brush for two minutes: Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes using gentle, circular motions. Make sure to cover all surfaces including the front, back and chewing surfaces. Don’t rush and don’t overbrush either. 
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging the enamel. Oh, and be gentle with your teeth.
• 45-degree angle: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards your gum line. This will help you remove plaque in the area where teeth and gums meet more effectively.
• Clean your tongue: Bacteria can accumulate in your tongue and lead to problems like bad breath and infections if it isn’t cleaned. So, gently brush your tongue to get rid of any bacteria. 
• Fluoride toothpaste for the win: There’s a reason why dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste. Want to know why? It’s because fluoride can strengthen your tooth enamel and fight cavity-causing bacteria. However, if you do have specific dental conditions like sensitivity, we will recommend a toothpaste formulated to address those issues. 
• Replace your toothbrush regularly: Did you know that a worn-out, frayed toothbrush can harbour more bacteria than you’d like to imagine? Plus, it won’t effectively remove plaque and bacteria either. So, replace it every 3-4 months or as they begin to wear out. 

Floss Once Daily 

Sure, brushing can clean the surfaces of your teeth and get rid of plaque and harmful bacteria. However, your toothbrush can’t effectively reach the sneaky spaces between your teeth and along the gumline. That’s where flossing swoops in and saves the day. 

Flossing can remove plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas in your mouth, preventing problems such as cavities, gum disease and bad breath. 

1. Take around 30-45 cm of floss. Wrap the ends around your middle fingers on each hand. 
2. Gently guide the floss between your teeth by holding it tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. 
3. Make a ‘C’ shape with the floss and rub it against the side of the tooth in a gentle up-and-down motion.  
4. Move to the next tooth and repeat! Make sure to use a new, clean section of floss. 

If you find flossing with traditional floss a challenge or want to take that extra step to take oral care to the next level, consider adding interdental cleaning to your daily routine. 

Rinse with a Mouthwash 

Brushed your teeth? Check! Flossed? Check! 

What’s next? Rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash! Mouthwash can help you eliminate bacteria that brushing and flossing might have missed, giving your mouth an extra layer of protection and freshness! 

Using it is simple – just follow the instructions and rinse your mouth for about 30 seconds. Swish it around in your mouth, gargle gently and spit it out! 

Remember: while mouthwash is a great addition to your oral care routine, it’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing! 

Eat Healthy 

What you eat and drink plays a huge role in your oral health (and your overall well-being too). If you make smart choices about your diet, your teeth and gums will thank you! 

Smile-Friendly Foods

• Dairy products: Packed with calcium and phosphate, dairy products help maintain bone density and balance pH levels in your mouth. 
• Crunchy fruits & veggies: Containing a lot of water content, these fruits and veggies can act like natural teeth cleaners by stimulating saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria. 
• Protein-rich foods: These foods like lean meats and eggs can help you maintain gum health. They also aid in tissue repair. 
• Leafy greens: Packed with calcium, folic acid and other vitamins and minerals, leafy greens help keep your smile in tip-top shape. 

Smile Saboteurs 

• Sugary foods & drinks: We all love a sweet treat. But, too much sugar can cause problems like tooth decay and attack your tooth enamel. 
• Hard candy & nuts: Be mindful when you eat these as they can chip or crack your teeth. 
• Dried fruit: While they seem healthy, dried fruits are packed with sugar. 
• Starchy foods: Breads, crackers and chips have a higher tendency to get stuck between your teeth, eventually leading to problems like decay and erosion. 

The bottom line? A balanced diet is key to maintaining a healthy smile. 

Stay Hydrated 

Good old water is the unsung hero of oral health! Why, you may ask? Well, it’s because saliva mostly consists of water. So, your saliva production slows down when you are not hydrated enough. That means less protection for your teeth because your mouth doesn’t have enough saliva to neutralise acid and wash away food debris. 

If you want to maintain a healthy mouth and ward off bad breath, staying hydrated is very important. The best way to stay hydrated throughout the day is by carrying around a reusable bottle with you. In addition, consuming fruits and veggies with higher water content, such as cucumbers and watermelon, can also promote saliva production.

Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco

Both alcohol and tobacco consumption in excess can cause problems such as stained teeth, gum disease and tooth loss. That’s not all, they can also increase the risk of oral cancer. It is for these reasons that we recommend quitting tobacco and alcohol consumption. 

Protect Your Teeth with a MouthGuard 

If you engage in physical and high-impact sports, your teeth are subject to wear and damage. The best way to prevent this is by wearing a custom-made mouthguard. If you grind and clench your teeth at night, then a night splint may be your best solution. 

Custom-made to fit your mouth, our mouthguards and night splints will act as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, cushioning your teeth and jaws to prevent the risk of fractures, chips and wear and tear. 

There you have it! Your ultimate guide to maintaining healthy teeth and gums between those regular dental visits to Melton Dental. All you need to do is incorporate these simple yet effective steps into your daily routine and get ready to enjoy the confidence of having a healthy and happy smile. 

At Melton Dental, our team is always here to help you on your journey to optimal oral health.