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Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is essential for maintaining proper hygiene. Regular dentist visits will ensure your teeth are clean and healthy. If there are any signs or symptoms of a possible dental issue, your dentist will be able to address it and provide a solution before it worsens.

You schedule your dental appointments every 6 months or sooner depending on your specific dental care, but how can you maintain good oral health in-between visits? There are several ways to keep those teeth clean and healthy even when you’re not sitting in the dental chair. Because most patients only see their dentist twice a year, it’s essential for them to know how to properly care for their teeth all year long.

In this guide below, you’ll find several helpful tips for keeping up with great oral health throughout the year. Continue reading to learn more!

• Brush and Floss Daily

You’ve been told this your entire life most likely: brush and floss daily. You should brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Once in the morning and once before bed is ideal.

Brushing and flossing after each meal is wonderful, but not always realistic for those who don’t have access to a sink and all the necessities during the day. However, it is a good idea to pack flossing picks with you for when you need to quickly clean your teeth after lunch while at work or school.

Each time you brush, be sure to brush for a total of two minutes. Consider playing music while brushing to help the time go by faster.

• Reduce High-Sugar Foods and Drinks

Did you know your diet could have an impact on your oral health? Eating foods or drinking beverages high in sugar can have a negative effect on your teeth. Certain foods can leave a residue on your teeth that’s hard to remove while other foods and beverages can stain your teeth.

SEE ALSO: What Dentists Recommend as Alternatives to High-Sugar Drinks

High-sugar foods will leave sugar on and around your teeth, which can then cause cavities if not properly removed. Although it might not be realistic to stop eating and drinking these items completely, it’s beneficial to cut back on them as much as possible. After eating or drinking these items, be sure to drink a glass of water.

This will help rinse out your mouth.

• Replace Your Old Toothbrush

When’s the last time you replaced your toothbrush? A general rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. You’ll want to replace it even sooner if the bristles start to wear out.

Replacing your toothbrush on a regular basis will reduce the number of germs and bacteria that grow on it. If you use an electric toothbrush, then you can simply replace the toothbrush head. Once the bristles start to wear out, your toothbrush won’t be as effective, so always pay close attention to that small detail.

• Rinse With Mouthwash

If you’re not already using a mouthwash, then now is a good time to add it into your routine. Rinsing with mouthwash helps control gingivitis, plaque, bad breath, and tooth decay. Make sure to purchase an antiseptic one for the best results.

You can also ask your dentist for suggestions or see if they have one at your dentist’s office for you to buy. Use your mouthwash after brushing and flossing for optimal oral health.

• Chew Gum After Meals

When you don’t have access to dental floss or a toothbrush and toothpaste, all of the food you eat throughout the day can build up on and in between your teeth. Small food particles can get stuck between teeth and in the crevices on top of your teeth, which may be difficult to remove.

If you’re unable to brush or floss, then chewing gum could be a good option for you. Chewing gum will help remove the food particles on your teeth and will help create more saliva in your mouth. Saliva is needed to break down food and keep your mouth clean.

SEE ALSO: Can Chewing Gum Prevent Cavities?

• Eat Foods That Help Clean

Did you know there are certain foods that can help clean your mouth? That’s right! Crisp foods like apples and carrots can actually help clean your teeth.

These food items are never a substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can help when you have no other option. Keep an apple, sticks of carrots, or celery with you to snack on after lunch.

• Schedule Emergency Dentist Appointments

Dental emergencies happen. When you least expect it, you might have a major dental issue. A broken tooth, chipped tooth, and a toothache are just a few reasons why you might need to schedule an emergency appointment.

If you do experience any of these issues or any other dental emergency, then don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. Even if you’re not due for your next appointment, don’t wait. See your dentist as soon as possible.

When you explain the situation to them, they’ll work with you to get you in as quickly as they can.

• Are You Due for Dentist Visits?

Is it about time to see your dentist? Scheduling regular dentist visits is a crucial part of maintaining good oral health. Make sure you see your dentist as often as recommended and don’t forget to ask any questions you might have about keeping clean and healthy teeth.

When you’re ready to schedule your appointment, contact Southeast Family Dental. Here, we focus on building strong relationships with all of our patients while offering high-quality dental services. We offer several different dental services and are looking forward to hearing from you.

Click here to schedule your first appointment.