Practice better dental hygiene in Nanaimo, BC with these oral health tips.
At Nanaimo Smiles, we love seeing you every six months for your checkup, but we know that keeping your smile in great shape is a daily job. Our Nanaimo dental clinic is on a mission to help our community achieve better oral health through better dental hygiene programs, education and preventative care.
There are several months between our visits, and your teeth and gums still need diligent care to best maintain dental hygiene. By sticking to your brushing and flossing routine and making healthy choices, you help keep your oral health in tip-top condition. This way, when you book your next dental hygiene appointment in Nanaimo, we can focus on keeping you ahead of any potential issues and continue our mission of keeping your smile bright and healthy. Here are some of the best ways to maintain dental hygiene between visits at Nanaimo Smiles.
Daily Maintenance: Brushing, Flossing, Mouthwash
Each time you visit us, you know that your Nanaimo registered dental hygienist will speak with you about your current dental hygiene habits, and offer advice to improve your techniques. To maintain great dental health between visits, we recommend brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps get rid of plaque and prevent cavities. Flossing daily is also important because it cleans between your teeth and along the gum line where your toothbrush might miss. Mouthwash is a great addition to your routine, helping to reduce bacteria, freshen your breath, and give extra protection against gum disease.
For the best results, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every three to four months. Brush with a technique that covers all your teeth surfaces. When flossing, use a gentle sawing motion and curve the floss around each tooth to reach the gum line. And don’t forget to follow the recommended time when using mouthwash for the best effects.
You can even get your kids involved in healthy habits with our handy brushing chart.
Choosing the Right Toothbrush
Choosing the right toothbrush is key to maintaining optimal dental health, and we’re here to help you make the best choice! A toothbrush with soft bristles is ideal because it’s gentle on your gums and effective at cleaning your teeth without causing damage. When selecting a toothbrush, look for one with a comfortable handle and a size that fits well in your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Electric toothbrushes can offer a more thorough clean and are particularly beneficial if you have limited manual dexterity. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush frequently–we find that changing your toothbrush with the seasons is the easiest way to remember. If you follow us on social media, we will be sure to remind you as well!
Better Nutritional Habits
Maintaining dental hygiene isn’t just about effectively brushing and flossing, it’s also about keeping a close eye on what you eat and drink each day. At Nanaimo Smiles, our Nanaimo dental team can’t stress enough how important it is to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated for your dental health! Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins not only supports your overall well-being but also helps keep your teeth and gums in top shape. Fresh, crunchy vegetables and fruits are especially great because they help stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleanses your mouth and neutralizes harmful acids. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is equally crucial—it helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth fresh and reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. By making these small but impactful choices, you’re setting yourself up for a healthier smile and making your appointments at Nanaimo Smiles a little easier too!
Avoid Tobacco Products
Tobacco use can lead to a host of dental issues, including bad breath, stained teeth, and an increased risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Smoking or chewing tobacco reduces blood flow to your gums, making it harder for them to heal and increasing the likelihood of infections. Additionally, the harmful chemicals in tobacco can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your mouth, further complicating oral health. By steering clear of tobacco, you not only protect your smile but also enhance your overall health, ensuring that your dental visits are focused on maintaining and improving your oral health rather than addressing preventable problems.
Chew Xylitol Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing xylitol-based sugar-free gum can be a fantastic ally in maintaining dental hygiene between cleanings. Xylitol not only provides a mild sweetness but also actively reduces the activity of cavity-causing bacteria, offering an extra layer of protection against tooth decay. By stimulating saliva production, xylitol gum helps wash away food particles and neutralizes acids, reducing enamel erosion and the risk of gum disease. Additionally, the chewing motion aids in dislodging small bits of food and plaque that brushing might miss. Incorporating xylitol gum into your daily routine, especially after meals, can leave your mouth feeling fresh and support your teeth and gums, making your next dental visit even more rewarding.
Monitor Oral Health
You know your body best, and monitoring your own oral health can help you maintain a healthy smile and catch potential issues early. Pay attention to any changes, such as bleeding gums, which could be a sign of gum disease; persistent bad breath, which might indicate underlying dental problems or infections; or tooth sensitivity, which can signal enamel erosion or other dental concerns. If you notice any of these symptoms or anything else unusual, it’s important to contact your Nanaimo dentist promptly. Early intervention can prevent more serious problems and ensure that your teeth and gums stay in optimal condition.
Better Oral Health in Nanaimo, BC
Keeping up with your dental health between visits to Nanaimo Smiles is essential for a bright, healthy smile and helps prevent problems like cavities and gum disease. By maintaining good habits like brushing, flossing, and eating a balanced diet, you make each dental appointment an opportunity to celebrate your excellent oral care and keep your smile in its best shape. Along with following these at-home oral health tips, we recommend booking your next dental cleaning and checkup well in advance so you stay on schedule.