If you brush and floss your teeth daily, then you’re off to a great start for your at-home oral care routine – but did you know there are more teeth cleaning activities you could be doing? Beginning a more thorough and attentive oral care routine at home will make your dentist visits go smoother and faster. It will also help reduce your cosmetic dentistry needs by keeping your teeth cleaner and whiter. Below are 5 proven teeth cleaning tips that you can use at home.

Teeth Cleaning Advice for Home

1. Change Your Brush Every 3.5 Months

With regular use, your toothbrush collects bacteria, and the bristles become misshapen or loose, reducing their efficacy. It’s recommended that you change your toothbrush as often as every 3 to 5 months, but wait no longer than 6. This minimizes the bacteria that get transferred into your mouth from a dirty brush, which means better breath and cleaner teeth.

2. Use Soft-Bristled Toothbrushes

Use a toothbrush that’s soft-bristled for maximum effectiveness. Though it makes sense to think that harder bristles clean better, soft bristles are better able to reach tight places than hard ones, getting around your teeth and gums. Plus, hard bristles increase the risk of causing damage while brushing your teeth.

3. Eat More Popcorn

Foods that are crispy, firm, and fibrous, like popcorn, act as natural teeth cleaners. Also called detergent foods, items like apples, pears, and cucumbers help dislodge food particles from tight spaces in your mouth. They’re great snack options that can partially clean your teeth when you don’t have time to brush them, such as at work.

4. Monitor Changes in Your Mouth

Early detection of dental diseases leads to a better prognosis, so regularly inspect your mouth for signs of dental illness. Keep an eye on any sores, bumps, or patches of unusual texture or color in your mouth. If they don’t resolve within a few days, you’ll need to schedule a dentist appointment.

5. Be Prepared

Dental accidents happen unexpectedly. Keep a copy of your dental office’s number on you at all times, both in your phone and in your wallet. If you’re traveling out of town, research local dental facilities before leaving, then take both your current and the local dentist’s contact information with you. If you experience a dental emergency while away, you’ll have multiple points of contact who can advise you on what to do next.

In the Central Park South region of New York City, NY, you’ll find advanced, skilled, general and cosmetic dentistry services at Pure Dental Care NY for when your at-home routine isn’t enough. From routine teeth cleaning to surgical procedures, their experienced dentist team will handle all of your dental needs with finesse and detailed care. Their state-of-the-art facility offers cutting-edge solutions for dental concerns, and they maintain a soothing, beautiful office where clients feel at home. Learn about their exceptional doctor online, or call (212) 256-1292 for an appointment.