At Midland Dental Hub, we believe a healthy smile starts at home. Taking charge of your oral health through preventative dental care is one of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums in top condition. While we urge you to book your regular dental check-up with us, your daily habits can make all the difference in protecting your smile.
In our view, it’s all about making small but powerful changes to your routine. So in this guide on preventative dentistry and oral health at home, we’ll explore some easy-to-follow dental care tips to help prevent issues like cavities, gum disease and bad breath.
Why At-Home Preventative Dental Care Matters
Preventative dentistry and dental care isn’t just about keeping your smile looking good, it’s about maintaining your overall health. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to a range of health issues, from heart disease to diabetes. However, by taking steps to care for your teeth, gums and oral health at home, you can reduce your risk of these problems while ensuring your smile stays bright and healthy.
At-home dental care helps you:
- Prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Avoid expensive and invasive dental treatments.
- Keep your teeth strong and functional as you age.
Consistency is key and adopting a few healthy habits can significantly reduce the likelihood of dental problems.
Daily Habits for Healthy Teeth and Gums
1. Brushing Techniques: What You Need to Know
Brushing your teeth is the foundation of any good dental care routine. However, did you know that in preventative dentistry, it’s how you brush just as much as how often?
Here are a few of our tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of brushing:
- Brush twice a day: Ideally, you should brush in the morning and before bed.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: This prevents damage to your enamel and gums.
- Brush for two minutes: It might seem like a long time, but it ensures all areas of your mouth are cleaned.
- Use gentle, circular motions: This helps to clean teeth effectively and avoid over-scrubbing your gums.
- Don’t forget your tongue: Your tongue can harbour bacteria, so give it a quick brush too!
2. The Importance of Flossing Regularly
Brushing is only part of the preventative dentistry equation. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth – areas your toothbrush can’t reach. We recommend that you try to floss at least once a day to keep your gums healthy and reduce the risk of cavities.
If you’re not sure how to floss properly, here’s our quick guide:
- Use about 45 cm of floss: Wrap it around your index fingers, leaving a small section between the fingers to work with.
- Slide the section gently between your teeth: Avoid snapping it down as this can irritate your gums.
- Curve the floss around the base of each tooth: Make sure you get under the gumline without forcing it. Ensure you floss before brushing – brushing will then remove any bacteria left over after flossing.
3. Using Mouthwash: Benefits and Best Practices
A good antibacterial mouthwash reaches areas you might miss with brushing and flossing. However, it’s important to remember that mouthwash isn’t a substitute for either of those!
To get the best results from your mouthwash:
- Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds.
- Use it after brushing and flossing, not before.
- Choose a mouthwash with fluoride for added cavity protection.
Diet and Its Impact on Oral Health
Your diet plays a huge role in your oral health. Certain foods can help strengthen your teeth, while others can contribute to tooth decay and erosion.
Foods to Include for Stronger Teeth
- Dairy products like cheese, yogurt and milk are rich in calcium and phosphates, which help strengthen your teeth.
- Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are packed with vitamins and minerals that promote healthy gums.
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots stimulate saliva production, which helps to wash away food particles and neutralise acids.
- Nuts are a great source of healthy fats and vitamins that support dental health.
Foods and Drinks to Limit for Better Oral Health
- Sugary snacks and drinks can lead to tooth decay. Try to limit sweets, soft drinks and even fruit juices.
- Starchy foods like crisps and bread can break down into sugars, feeding harmful bacteria in your mouth.
- Acidic foods and drinks such as sodas, citrus fruits and coffee can wear down enamel over time. Drink water afterwards to rinse your mouth. We recommend waiting 30 minutes after consumption before brushing. Otherwise, brushing could cause further damage.
Tools and Products to Boost Your At-Home Care
Using the right tools can make a big difference in your at-home dental care routine and oral health at home.
Let’s take a look at a few products:
Choosing the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Electric toothbrushes can help you clean more effectively, especially if you’re prone to missing spots with a manual brush.
- Toothpaste with fluoride is essential to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. There are also options for sensitive teeth if needed.
Water Flossers
If traditional flossing feels tricky, water flossers are a good alternative. They use a stream of water to clean between teeth and below the gumline. They’re particularly useful if you have braces or other dental appliances.
Tongue Scrapers
Tongue scrapers help remove bacteria and debris from your tongue, reducing bad breath and improving overall oral health. Simply use them once a day after brushing.
What to Avoid for Better Oral Health
Maintaining your oral health isn’t just about what you do, it’s also about what you avoid. Certain habits can be harmful to your teeth and gums.
The Effects of Smoking on Oral Health
Smoking stains your enamel, contributes to gum disease and increases the risk of oral cancer. Quitting smoking is a crucial step in protecting your smile.
How Alcohol Impacts Your Teeth and Gums
Alcohol can dry out your mouth, reducing saliva production and leading to plaque buildup. It can also erode enamel, especially in sugary or acidic drinks like cocktails or wine (extremely acidic). Drink in moderation and follow with water to rinse your mouth.
Restrict High-Sugar Foods
Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth, which produce acids that cause tooth decay. Limiting sugary snacks and beverages, and opting for sugar-free alternatives, can significantly reduce your risk of cavities.
Signs It’s Time to Visit the Dentist
Even with great at-home care, regular dental check-ups are essential to catch issues early.
Recognising Early Signs of Dental Issues
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to book a dental appointment:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
- Pain or discomfort in your teeth or gums.
The Role of Professional Check-Ups in Preventative Care
Booking an appointment every six months allows for professional cleaning, fluoride treatments and early detection of potential problems.
At Midland Dental Hub, we’re here to help you keep your smile healthy and prevent issues before they become major concerns through preventative dentistry.
Maintaining a Healthy Smile Starts at Home
You can enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums by brushing, flossing, eating well and using the right tools.
Combine these habits with regular dental visits at Midland Dental Hub and your smile will thank you!