Keeping Up Good Dental Home Care in the New Year

There’s no better time than the New Year to make changes to your oral health habits, and that is exactly what many dental patients do.

As a leading dental office in Southern California, Dentist of Long Beach has a few ways to help you take even better care of your gorgeous smile and oral health in the upcoming year.

Review Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Oral care is simple, but at Dentist of Long Beach, we know firsthand that many people don’t practice the fundamentals. Whether you want to change or improve your dental wellness plan, the best thing you can do to take care of your teeth and gums is to refresh your knowledge of the basics – then master them.

Do you brush twice a day? Do you regularly floss? Are you visiting the dentist when necessary? If the answer was no to any of these questions, reviewing the brushing basics can help you improve your dental care routine and avoid potential issues later on.

Are You Brushing Your Teeth Correctly?

An essential step in oral care, brushing gets rid of food and plaque, helping to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other problems from developing.

When brushing your teeth, keep these important things in mind:

• Brush two times a day
• Brush for a full two minutes
• Use gentle, circular brushstrokes (too much pressure can cause dental abrasion)
• Brush every surface of your teeth you can reach and see
• Brush your tongue

Is Flossing a Part of Your Dental Home Care?

While flossing is mainly thought of for removing food and bacteria wedged between your teeth, it also stimulates your gums, helps lessen inflammation in the area and reduces plaque. Those who skip flossing are missing out on a key aspect of their dental wellness.

A few things to keep in mind about flossing:

• It is most effective after eating
• Mouthwash is not a substitute for flossing
• Gums may bleed the first week flossing is introduced into your daily routine

Have You Scheduled Your Next Dentist Appointment?

Around 100 million Americans skip their annual visit to the doctor’s office, yet seeing the dentist is vital for oral health. The symptoms of oral diseases and other illnesses start in the mouth and can go undetected without frequent checkups. By visiting your local Southern California dentist twice a year, potential oral problems can be identified early and your oral health (and overall health) will be well-protected.

Alongside regular checkups and cleanings, seeing a dentist at Dentist of Long Beach also helps with:

• Gums that bleed when brushed or flossed
• Tooth sensitivity
• Bad breath
• Mouth, facial and neck pain
• Chewing or swallowing problems
• Teeth grinding and jaw clenching

It is a good idea to make a list of any lingering concerns you’ve been having or procedures you need, such as a dental crown or implant. Getting your oral concerns taken care of with a dentist you trust is one of the best ways to keep up a good oral routine.

Upgrade Your Dental Home Care Toolkit

If you want to keep up good oral hygiene at home, you have to have the right set of tools. Take a look at the dental care items you’re using; it may be time to treat yourself to something new.

Get a Better Toothbrush

Consider getting an electric toothbrush with a two minute timer or a portable toothbrush to take with you when you are out and about. There are so many to choose from, however, it can be overwhelming or overly-difficult to make a choice. Fortunately, if you follow these steps, you’ll find the perfect toothbrush.

Find a toothbrush with these must-haves:

• Toothbrush head half an inch wide and one inch in height
• Soft nylon bristles
• Rounded bristles
• ADA Approved

Electric and manual toothbrushes both do a great job at cleaning teeth, but if you go with an electric option, be sure to talk to a local dentist or contact Dentist of Long Beach for proper brushing techniques that help you get the most out of your purchase.

Make Flossing More Enjoyable

A proper flossing regimen is important and anything that helps you maintain consistency should be added into your arsenal of dental equipment.

Here are some flossing products to consider:

• Mint-flavored dental floss will give your mouth something tasty and refreshing while you’re cleaning those pearly whites.
• Floss Picks are a quick and easy alternative to traditional flossing that only requires one hand, making food and plaque removal much more convenient.
• Water Pike doesn’t require string, using a water jet to clean between teeth instead.

Invest in a Real Tongue Scraper

Brushing your tongue will remove some of the bacteria, but a tongue scraper is a better method. A tongue scraper will help ensure that your tongue is as clean and free of bacteria as possible – a surefire way to maintain and enhance your dental home care.

Try a New Toothpaste

Being an adult does not mean you have to only buy toothpaste in boring flavors. You’re more likely to brush if you have some fun flavors to look forward to, anyway.

Big brand names offer a wide range of fluoride toothpaste flavors including watermelon and lemon, helping you to let your inner child out and clean your teeth.

Freshen Bad Breath with Mouthwash

When you are on the move, mouthwash is a great way to freshen breath fast, so getting a smaller bottle that can be easily carried will take your dental care up a notch.

Dentist of Long beach recommends opting for the alcohol-free formulas to avoid drying out your mouth, which can promote bacteria growth.

Enhance Your Smile with Teeth Whitening

You can get take-home whitening kits or in office professional teeth whitening from your dentist. Either way, a brighter smile will boost your confidence and encourage you to keep taking great care of your teeth.

Keep a Pack of Gum Nearby

Another way to improve bad breath in a hurry, gum is quick, easy and available everywhere. For an added bonus of clean, look for teeth whitening gum.

Ready to Carry Your Good Dental Home Care into the New Year?

You have been doing your best all year to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and now is the time to keep that momentum going.

If you are looking for a dentist in the Long Beach area who will help you do more for your oral health in the upcoming year, we have years of experience providing patients in Southern California with the information and care they need.

Learn proper dental home care at Dentist of Long Beach when you come in for a checkup and cleaning. Contact us at (562) 373-0026 today to schedule an appointment today!