Visiting the dentist every six months for a cleaning and check-up is crucial to keeping your teeth in top shape. However, there is a lot that can happen in between these appointments if you aren’t practicing excellent oral hygiene. That’s why BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK, encourages all their patients to adopt a strict dental care regimen at home. Here, these dentists highlight a few tips to keep your smile shining.

5 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Fresh

1. Don’t Rush the Brush

To properly prevent cavities and periodontal disease, you must spend two full minutes at least twice a day brushing your teeth. Taking the time to thoroughly brush will keep decay-causing plaque from building up along teeth and gums. For the ultimate protection, floss each time you brush.  

2. Tend to Your Tongue    

While brushing and flossing will reduce your chances of developing dental problems, oral bacteria still may be hiding out on the tongue. Remember to brush or scrape your tongue to remove these bacteria.

3. Rinse Regularly

If you’re looking for the ultimate clean, finish off the routine with a mouthwash. This will kill remaining oral bacteria and keep your breath fresh. 

4. Skip the Soda

Soda contains excess sugar, carbonation, and high levels of acidity. It is one of the most dangerous drinks for dental health. Specifically, consuming these beverages on a regular basis can significantly increase your risk of developing tooth decay and oral infections. Instead of soft drinks, opt for water to give your mouth the best clean.

5. Set Replacement Reminders

Over time, the bristles on toothbrushes can fray and deteriorate, making it harder to effectively clean your teeth. Replace your toothbrush about once every three months or whenever you start to notice bristle damage. You should also throw it out if you get sick, as dangerous bacteria can hide out in the brush head.

While following these steps will help maintain your oral health, it’s important to have a trustworthy dentist if problems arise. The caring specialists at BridgeView Dental Group provide general, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry service and offer fast, reliable, and affordable care. If comfort is a concern, this team can also make your treatment as stress-free as possible with their state-of-the-art sedation dentistry. Visit this practice online to learn more about these services. Call (907) 486-3257 to schedule an appointment.