Family Dentists Near Me

Sure, white teeth are beautiful, but it’s important to not forget about the underlying health of your smile. Maintaining clean and strong teeth positively contributes to your overall well-being, and it starts with a consistent oral hygiene routine. Our Ocoee, FL, dentists believe in empowering patients of all ages to take charge of their dental health and are always here to be your guide if you have questions.

Here are 6 simple steps you can take to up your preventive dental care game and keep your smile sparkling.

1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

Brushing your teeth is the cornerstone of good oral hygiene and gum disease prevention. To achieve the best results, our Ocoee family dentists recommend you use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. Make sure to reach all surfaces of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well, as it can harbor bacteria that cause bad breath.

You can also try these tips for effective brushing:

  • Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
  • Use gentle circular motions instead of harsh back-and-forth strokes.
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

2. Floss Daily

Flossing is crucial for removing plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach, particularly between your teeth and under the gum line. Daily flossing not only helps prevent cavities and gum disease, but also serves as a great way to stop bad breath from dominating your day.

How to floss properly:

  • Use about 18 inches of dental floss and wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving an inch or two to work with.
  • Gently slide the floss between your teeth, curving it into a C-shape around each tooth.
  • Move the floss up and down, cleaning both sides of each tooth. Don’t forget to floss behind your back teeth.

As far as types of floss go, you can choose from standard floss, dental tape, and floss threaders. Water flossers are also an option. They tend to be a bit more of an investment, but they are able to clean more thoroughly. Ultimately, pick a quality product that feels the best.

Dental tape is broader and flatter which is great if you have braces or larger gaps in between your teeth. Regular floss comes in waxed or woven versions and is a thin nylon strand. Waxed floss easily glides in between teeth while woven is thicker and a bit softer. Some may notice woven floss getting stuck where there are tight spaces, so waxed might be a safer bet. Lastly, electric water flossers use water and pressure to rinse away plaque and debris between teeth.

3. Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash can help reduce plaque, fight bacteria, and freshen your breath. Look for an antiseptic mouthwash with fluoride to strengthen your teeth and provide extra protection against cavities.

You can use mouthwash effectively by:

  • Pouring the recommended amount of mouthwash into a cup.
  • Swishing it around your mouth for 30-45 seconds (or as directed on the bottle).
  • Spitting it out without rinsing with water, to allow the active ingredients to work longer.

4. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Your diet plays a significant role in your oral health. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can strengthen your teeth and gums. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay and the need for cavity treatment.

Ideally, your diet should include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. Think of that quintessential food pyramid you learned about in school and try to check off something from each layer when shopping at the grocery store. The general recommendation is to have half of your plate be some mixture of fruits and veggies, ¼ whole grains, and another ¼ protein.

Foods that are great for your oral health include:

  • Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, which are high in calcium and phosphates.
  • Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery, which help clean your teeth naturally.
  • Nuts and seeds, which provide essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus.
  • Bananas, dark leafy greens, potatoes, avocados and other similar foods that contain potassium. These are known to help gum tissue heal quicker.

5. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth clean. Water also stimulates saliva production, which is essential for neutralizing acids and protecting your teeth from decay.

Maintain proper hydration by:

  • Carrying a reusable water bottle with you to encourage frequent sipping.
  • Enjoying water after meals to rinse away any remaining food particles.
  • Choosing water over sugary or acidic drinks like soda and fruit juices.

6. Visit Our Dentists Regularly

General preventive dental care services like professional teeth cleanings every 6 months inside our Ocoee, FL, dental office are vital for maintaining optimal oral health. At these visits, our dentists can identify early signs of dental issues, provide personalized advice, and perform thorough cleanings to remove tartar buildup.

Professional cleanings allow for:

  • The removal of plaque and tartar that cannot be eliminated by brushing and flossing alone.
  • Early detection and treatment of dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.
  • Personalized oral hygiene advice and demonstrations to improve your at-home routine.

Feeling nervous about an upcoming visit? Dental sedation for anxiety is something we’re proud to offer in the form of laughing gas and oral medication. Before recommending anything, however, our sedation dentists will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, discuss your anxiety levels, and determine the most appropriate type of sedation for your situation. Monitoring is constant throughout the procedure, ensuring that you are kept safe and comfortable.

Schedule Your Next Teeth Cleaning 

Oral hygiene is a lifelong commitment but with these 6 steps to guide you and our dentists in Ocoee, FL, here to support you every step of the way, you’re bound to do great. Call Classic Smiles today at (407) 293-3002 to request an appointment.

This blog post has been updated.