Everyone wants a clean bill of health whenever they visit their dentist for an annual exam. A healthy smile truly starts at home. People should make sure they follow certain dental hygiene tips before their next visit to a Dentist in Mankato MN.
Brush, Floss, and Rinse
As soon as someone takes a bite of food, plaque begins to form on their teeth. If the plaque isn’t brushed away, it will transform into a more dangerous substance known as tartar. It only takes 24 hours for plaque to harden into tartar, which is why everyone should brush at least twice a day.
Flossing and rinsing are equally important. Plaque and bacteria thrive between teeth. Flossing is the only way to remove this buildup. It also protects the gum tissue from bacteria. Rinsing with mouthwash is a great way to fully disinfect the mouth after eating.
Protect Tooth Enamel
Every tooth is covered by a hard, thin layer of enamel. This is what makes teeth appear shiny and white. However, it’s very easy to damage this important layer. Certain foods make the enamel soft and weak. Protecting the enamel it vital for healthy teeth.
Avoid foods and beverages that may erode the enamel. These include acidic and sugary foods. If a person decides to consume these items, consider rinsing thoroughly with water afterward. Drinking soda and other sugary drinks through a straw will also limit contact with the tooth enamel.
Stop Grinding
Teeth grinding and clenching, clinically known as bruxism, is one of the top causes of broken teeth and jaw pain. People tend to clench their teeth during the day if they are stressed. Grinding typically happens while sleeping, and some people are even unaware they grind their teeth.
Anyone who grinds or clenches needs to break the habit. A Dentist in Mankato MN may recommend wearing a guard at night to protect the teeth from grinding. Reducing stress will help prevent clenching. Muscle relaxers may be prescribed if the jaw muscles are in spasm.
To get good results from a yearly dental exam, it’s necessary to practice excellent dental hygiene on a daily basis. Contact us to learn more about how to protect your teeth from wear and tear.
