You already know you need to brush and floss every single day, but there are plenty of other things you can do to make sure your teeth stay super healthy and strong. We’re confident that we’ll be able to see you soon, but for now, it’s especially important to avoid dental emergencies. Ready to learn more simple ways to keep your teeth healthy? Here are Davis Orthodontics’ tips for maintaining a healthy smile at home.
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Brush for Two Full Minutes Every Time
Well, we might as well start with the obvious! You should already be brushing your teeth twice a day — once in the morning and once before you go to bed. But doing a quick once over and calling it quits isn’t enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy. During every session, brush your teeth for two full minutes. Set a timer and don’t stop brushing until the clock runs out. You could even play your favorite song to keep yourself more engaged. And remember, if you have braces or Invisalign, you’ll need to brush your teeth after every meal.
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Floss Daily — Yep, Every Day
Ah, flossing. That annoying, yet oh-so-necessary task that everyone loves to hate. We get that flossing isn’t everyone’s (or anyone’s?) favorite thing to do, but it’s critical to lifelong oral health. Brushing alone doesn’t get into hard-to-reach places between your teeth. In fact, if you skip flossing, you’re missing 40% of your teeth’s surfaces! Daily flossing will keep plaque and cavities at bay, meaning you’ll spend less time in the dentist’s chair. We recommend flossing at night so you can be sure to clear away anything that has built up throughout the day.
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Choose a Healthy Diet
With all this extra time at home, we’ve all had to get used to eating every meal at home. After a while, it can get a little tricky to come up with healthy meal ideas, but eating a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do for your teeth (and your health overall!). Opt for a diet that’s rich in whole foods, including plenty of veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds and lean proteins. You could even use this time to learn new healthy recipes and cooking techniques. You should also limit starchy, refined foods, like chips, bread and pasta, and avoid sugary foods and drinks altogether. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugars and starches, so it’s best to keep these things to a minimum.
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Wear a Mouthguard when Playing Sports
All team sports might be off limits right now, but we’re sure you’re still finding ways to keep yourself and your kids active. But did you know that sports cause a significant portion of dental injuries, including millions of lost teeth each year (yes, millions!)? Even a family game of basketball in the driveway, or a solo skateboarding session, can put your teeth in harm’s way. That’s why we always recommend using a mouthguard for any sports that have a risk of collision. This is especially important if you or your child have braces because if you get hit in the face, your hardware could cause serious damage to your gums and teeth. Not to mention the risk to other players!
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Reap the Benefits of Fluoride
You know those fluoride treatments you get at the dentist? They have a very important purpose. Fluoride helps to strengthen your tooth enamel, prevent cavities and reduce tooth decay. Fortunately, you don’t need to visit our Simpsonville or Greer orthodontic office to embrace the power of fluoride — you can get all the benefits of fluoride from the comfort of your own home. All you have to do is use fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash to keep your teeth strong and maintain a healthy smile .
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Book a Virtual Appointment with Dr. Buddy
Even if you do everything you’re supposed to do to take care of your teeth at home, it’s totally normal for little issues or questions to come up. The Davis Orthodontics team is here to support your oral health, just like always. Until we can see your smiling faces in our office again, we’re proud to offer virtual consultations for those who are new to our practice and online check-ins for existing patients. No matter where you’re at in your orthodontic journey, we’re here to help you get a healthy smile.
