Maintaining your teeth takes more than regular visits to the dentist. Practicing excellent home oral care habits is essential to keeping your mouth clean and healthy. If you want to ensure that your smile remains bright, below are several areas to focus on.

How to Maintain Your Smile

1. Use Proper Brushing Techniques

If you do not brush all of your teeth adequately, you can create clusters that are a different shade than the rest of your mouth. Brush for at least two minutes while moving the toothbrush in circular motions over each tooth evenly. Spend about 30 seconds on each section, including the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right as well as the inner and outer arches of your jaw. You should brush your tongue gently to remove any accumulated bacteria after you finish the teeth.

2. Replace Your Toothbrush

When toothbrush bristles wear out, they cannot remove plaque effectively, which can lead to gum irritation. Additionally, using the same bristles for too long allows bacteria to accumulate on them which can lead to dental issues, such as bad breath. To maintain an effective dental routine, it is important to replace your toothbrush every three months. 

3. Limit Soda & Alcohol

Drinks that contain high amounts of sugar and acids can break down tooth enamel. This process is called demineralization. Although the saliva in your mouth works to restore these minerals, repeated extended exposure can permanently weaken the enamel. You can, however,  reduce cavities from forming in weakened enamel by reducing the amount of soda and alcohol that you consume. Treat these beverages as treats, rather than a regular part of your diet.

4. Visit the Dentist Regularly

While sticking to a reliable home dental routine is necessary, so are regular dentist appointments. Visiting this doctor twice a year even when you don’t have any apparent issues can help catch cavities and gum disease early. In addition to preventative care, your dentist can recommend treatment options if you are experiencing tooth or gum discomfort.

Whether you have a dental emergency or need preventative care, Hulse Dental in Onalaska, WI, can help. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kurt Hulse and team provide specialized dental services. They offer whitening, crowns, root canals, cavity fillings, dental implants, and more to ensure you have a confident smile. For more information about their services, visit them online. To make an appointment, call (608) 783-1306 today.