Impress Your Dental Hygienist

At Gateway Dental Care in Pleasanton, CA we want you to have an oral care routine to impress your dental hygienist. A clean, healthy mouth benefits your health, your self-esteem, and your life in so many ways. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you take your at home dental care up a notch.

An Over-The-Top Healthy Mouth

Taking care to stave off gum disease and halitosis takes more than regular brushing and flossing. To get and keep a perfectly white smile, healthy gums, and fresh breath, consider adding these techniques to your dental care routine:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Start brushing in the back of your mouth first.
• Use mouthwash.
• Avoid excessive brushing.
• Cut back on sugary foods and drinks.
• Add fruits and veggies for natural whitening.
• Be consistent with your professional cleanings.

Keep Your Toothbrush Clean & New

Of course the type of toothbrush, size, shape, and bristle strength matter. For most people, a soft-bristled brush is precisely what’s needed to effectively clean teeth without damaging the gums or enamel. Don’t let your bristles fray and clean the handle and toothbrush holder frequently as germs gather most in the bathroom.

Start Brushing From The Back

Most people neglect their molars. Brush for 2 minutes in short circular motions at a 45-degree tilt following the natural line of your gums. Starting from the back first is the most thorough way to make sure to clean those hard to reach spots where cavities most often form.

Use Mouthwash After Brushing

It’s healthy to have an active flow of saliva coating your teeth. Chewing gum and swishing with an antiseptic mouthwash can help activate the glands that produce saliva in your mouth, which strengthens enamel.

Don’t Sip On That Sugar

Hot drinks such as tea and coffee tend to be sipped slowly throughout the day. When sugar is slowly sipped all day, a build-up of lactic acid creates cavities. So, it’s best to drink sugary drinks quick instead of enjoying throughout the day and then rinsing your mouth with water.

Add Fiber For Whiter Teeth

Foods that can aid in whitening your teeth are raw fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber. Crunchy carrots, apples, celery, and other green vegetables can help remove a build-up of plaque and lactic acid.

Has It Been Six Months Already?

Always remember to schedule your bi-annual check-ups and cleanings to prevent problems before they start and stay up-to-date on the latest in top-notch dental care. Impress your dental hygienist. Call us at Gateway Dental of Pleasanton, California to schedule your appointment today.