Routine dental cleanings are essential for keeping your teeth healthy and strong. However, there are steps you can take to maintain a clean mouth in between those dental appointments. If you establish a preventative dental care routine, you will be less likely to get cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

The Top Preventative Dental Care Tips

1. Brush Your Teeth Properly

Just because you brush your teeth twice a day, doesn’t necessarily mean you are getting them completely clean. It’s important to master the proper technique. As you brush your teeth, put your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and carefully move it back and forth in short strokes. Remember to brush the inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth.

2. Chew Sugar-Free Gum After Meals

If you can’t brush your teeth after a meal, try chewing sugar-free gum. It increases saliva flow in your mouth, which helps wash away food particles and cavity-causing bacteria.

3. Limit Sugary Treats

While cookies and donuts might be delicious, eating too many of these sugary treats can have a negative impact on your teeth. The sugar in these foods can stick to the surfaces of your teeth and promote bacterial growth, increasing your risk of decay. When you do get a craving for something sweet, remember to rinse your mouth afterward with water.

4. Snack on Tooth Friendly Foods

An important aspect of preventative dental care is eating the right foods. Apples, carrots, celery, and other crisp items can increase saliva production in your mouth and scrub off plaque. Eat these foods throughout the week to keep your teeth clean.

If it has been longer than six months since your last cleaning, make an appointment with a dentist. The professionals at King Campbell, DDS, PLLC in Pagosa Springs, CO, provide top quality dental care for patients of all ages and take the time to listen to their needs. Whether you just need your teeth cleaned or a crown, they are happy to help. To schedule an appointment, call (970)731-2126 or visit their website for more information about preventative dental care.