Oral Care Must Haves in Clear Lake
What are the best oral hygiene aids to have when you’re at home or on the go? Depending on your oral health, the types of restorations you have, or even if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, here are some must-have oral hygiene investments to make:
A Soft or Extra-Soft Toothbrush
Most of us assume that the harder we brush, the cleaner our teeth will be. But aggressive brushing and hard-bristled toothbrushes are actually bad for your mouth. Not only do they cause physical abrasions in your enamel, leading to erosion over time, but they can also cause your gums to recede and expose your tooth roots.
Always choose a soft or extra-soft bristled toothbrush. Don’t press too hard with it, either. Only apply extremely mild pressure so that the bristles don’t splay over on their side.
(OR) An Electric Toothbrush
A high-quality electric toothbrush helps improve both your tooth and gum health. The thousands of extra strokes you get out of an electric brush will be perfect for plaque control and reducing tooth staining.
With an electric brush, it’s important to angle it properly and hold it in place, allowing the brush head to do all the work for you. There’s no need to scrub your teeth. Just move the brush from tooth to tooth every several seconds, paying extra attention to clean along the gumlines
Disposable Floss Picks and/or Proxy Brushes
Even though traditional flossing is usually best for cleaning around your teeth and under your gums, disposable floss picks are perfect when you’re always on the go. Keep some in the car, toss them in your work bag, and most importantly, use them daily. Disposable proxy brushes are another great tool for cleaning between your teeth, especially when there are wider spaces or fixed bridges and braces that you need to get underneath.
All of that being said, it’s still important to use your traditional floss when you have time to because it’s better for manipulating around curved surfaces and slipping below the edges of your gums. Floss threaders can help you weave the flossing string around bridges and braces in those situations.
A Water Flosser
Water flossers are an amazing oral hygiene tool that can clean even further than floss is able to reach. Just be warned, they can be a little messy and take some getting used to. The tool sprays a heavy jet of water to flush out food and plaque between your teeth and under your gumlines.
Use your water flosser every day to combat cavities and gum disease. There are even models designed to be mounted in your shower if you want to contain the mess a little more effectively.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride helps remineralize weak tooth enamel, reversing the decay process before a physical cavity forms inside your tooth. When used as directed, fluoride toothpaste not only helps combat cavities but it also reduces tooth sensitivity. You only need about a pea-sized amount twice a day, and there’s no need to rinse your toothpaste out after you brush your teeth.
On that note, make sure you’re using the correct toothpaste. If you have sensitive teeth, steer clear of whitening toothpaste. If you’re prone to stain, avoid tartar control blends. Our Clear Lake dentist can help you select the best toothpaste blend for your smile; just ask for advice during your next checkup!
A Nightguard and/or Sports Mouthguard
If you tend to clench or grind your teeth, or you’re active in athletic activities, your smile needs an added layer of protection. Professionally fitted mouthguards and sports appliances are more comfortable and protect your mouth better than anything you’ll find over the counter. Think of them like insurance for your smile!
Nightguards help safeguard your teeth against tooth wear and TMJ issues from bruxism (clenching and grinding.) Whereas athletic mouthguards reduce the chances of a chipped or knocked-out tooth, not to mention concussions.
Sugar-Free Xylitol Gum
Did you know that chewing gum that has Xylitol helps naturally repel dental plaque from sticking to your teeth? When you’re out and about but unable to brush, try chewing a piece of Xylitol sugar-free gum instead.
Regular Cleanings and Checkups
Your preventative care appointments help us consistently monitor your oral health and intercept minor issues while they’re still reversible. As such, you can keep your teeth and gums healthier in the years ahead. If problems pop up, our Clear Lake dentist can treat them in the most affordable and minimally invasive manner possible.
If it’s been six months or longer since your last checkup, call Rosas Family Dentistry today to reserve an exam.