A radiant smile is more than just a confidence booster. It’s a reflection of your excellent oral hygiene. There is no better way to kickstart your journey to a healthier smile than with a professional dental cleaning. But the hard work only just begins at this appointment. There are several things you should do to ensure your teeth look their best long after a dental cleaning.
At Mills Family Dental, we have several tips to ensure your teeth look their very best and that your dental cleaning is not in vain. From effective brushing techniques to making the best dietary choices, we know how important it can be. If you want your teeth to shine until your next cleaning, keep reading to see what we recommend.
1. Find The Right Toothbrush
Maintaining proper oral hygiene after a dental cleaning starts with your toothbrush. But, to ensure your best oral health, you must ensure the toothbrush you use is the best for your mouth. Many dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums adequately.
You should also find a toothbrush head that fits comfortably in your mouth. It should fit every tooth in your mouth without feeling uncomfortable. Finally, you should decide between a manual and an electric toothbrush. Either toothbrush can be effective, so discussing which your dentist recommends for your current oral health is best.
2. Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Your dentist has likely already recommended that you use fluoride toothpaste to ensure the best success for your teeth after a dental cleaning. Fluoride helps mineralize teeth, which is especially beneficial if you have lost enamel from bacteria, grinding, and oral health problems.
Using fluoride toothpaste after a dental cleaning is also a great preventative step to take if your dentist has noticed some early signs of tooth decay. If you want to maintain previous dental work and protect your teeth from any more decay, it is important that you incorporate fluoride toothpaste into your everyday oral routine.
3. Limit Sugary Foods and Beverages
After a dental cleaning, you will likely have very little to no bad bacteria present in your mouth. This bacteria is often present after consuming food. When you consume sugary foods and beverages, it acts as food for this bacteria. If you don’t treat this, the bacteria will continue to multiply and lead to significant oral health problems.
You should do your best to avoid sugary foods and beverages after a dental cleaning to maintain the best oral health. If you consume sugar, it is important to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth about 30 minutes afterward to rinse any remaining particles and bacteria.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Being adequately hydrated is essential for many different aspects of your health, and your oral health is no different. Drinking plenty of water after a dental cleaning is an essential part of ensuring you are producing plenty of saliva, which neutralizes acids in your mouth. In addition to helping produce saliva, it is important for rinsing the mouth.
Drinking plenty of water rinses away any food particles and bacteria that may latch onto your teeth. After a dental cleaning, this ensures that you can protect your teeth from oral irritations. While the amount of water you should drink in a day varies, it is best to drink at least 64 ounces of water.
5. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Like many of the other tips we’ve given, chewing sugar-free gum is incredibly beneficial for your oral health after a dental cleaning. Choosing this sugar-free snack protects you from bacteria while helping you produce more saliva.
Your dentist may even recommend that you chew sugar-free gum if you experience dry mouth. Chewing gum can act as a temporary relief, alleviating the discomfort you may experience from this condition.
6. Consider Professional Whitening Services
If you have ever considered getting a professional teeth whitening service, talking to your dentist after a dental cleaning is the perfect time to consider this. Before a professional cleaning, you’ll want to ensure that your teeth are free of any plaque and tartar build-up.
This guarantees that your whitening is as effective as possible. Whitening products may also absorb into the teeth more efficiently, ensuring your sparkling smile is as white as you hoped. If you’re considering a professional whitening, make sure to act quickly after your dental cleaning.
7. Schedule A Follow-Up Appointment
All of the hard work and progress you make during your dental cleaning service can’t be for nothing. So, if you follow the tips above after your dental cleaning, don’t forget to schedule your follow-up cleaning appointment with your dentist.
You should schedule a dental cleaning appointment every six months to ensure the greatest oral health. Scheduling this ahead of time means you won’t have to wait several months for an appointment to open up. So, after your dental cleaning and before you leave the building, make sure you schedule your follow-up.
Caring For Your Teeth After A Dental Cleaning at Mills River Family Dental
Caring for your teeth after a dental cleaning is essential for preserving your fresh, bright smile. The habits we have discussed play a pivotal role in keeping your teeth strong, healthy, and radiant. Even when following these tips, though, it is important to remember that your oral health is a lifelong commitment.
If you are looking for a new dental office in Mills River, NC, our team at Mills River Family Dental is the perfect place for you. With years of experience helping patients with a variety of oral health conditions, we are confident that we can help you create a perfect oral health routine. Mills River Family Dental does everything from general dentistry services to implants, root canals, and more.
If you are looking to schedule a dental cleaning or you have any questions for our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today.