Seven good oral hygiene tips that will help you avoid unexpected findings during your next Ladysmith dental cleaning.
At Ladysmith Smiles, our dental team loves seeing you for your regular dental checkups, but keeping your smile bright and your oral health in top shape is something you need to work on every day. Your oral health is a lifelong commitment, and by taking care of your teeth and gums between appointments, you can prevent many common issues and make sure that during your next visit to Ladysmith Smiles, your Ladysmith dentist and dental hygienist can focus on maintaining your smile, not fixing problems. Here are some simple and effective ways to keep your oral health in top condition between visits to your Ladysmith dentist.
Tip #1: Stick to the Basics: Brush, Floss, and Rinse
We can’t stress enough how important your at-home routine is when it comes to dental care and oral health. Brushing, flossing, and mouthwash are the foundation of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps get rid of plaque and prevent cavities. Flossing every day is key to cleaning between your teeth and along the gum line, where your toothbrush might miss—essential for preventing gum disease. And using mouthwash is a great extra step to kill bacteria and leave your mouth feeling fresh. To help inspire the development of good oral hygiene in kids and motivate them to stay consistent with proper technique, our team has created a brushing chart, which can be printed at home via the digital download or picked up from the front desk.
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PRO FLOSSING TIP: When you floss, use a gentle back-and-forth motion, and curve the floss around each tooth. Did you know we actually recommend flossing before you brush your teeth? This allows for all the biofilm buildup you loosen while flossing to be washed away during brushing.
Tip #2: Choose the Right Toothbrush for You
Your toothbrush is a key part of your oral health routine, so choosing the right one can make a big difference. Though each individual may have slightly different toothbrush requirements, we typically recommend opting for a soft-bristled toothbrush—they are gentler on your gums and enamel, while bending to get in every nook and cranny of your smile. Make sure the handle is comfortable and the size of the brush head fits well in your mouth (toddlers and children should not be using adult-sized toothbrushes, so you can reach all the hard-to-get areas). Electric toothbrushes can also be a great option, especially if you find yourself having trouble with manual brushing, as they help make it easier to provide a more thorough clean for better oral health.
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PRO TIP: Don’t forget to swap out your toothbrush regularly—changing it with the seasons is an easy way to remember. And if you follow us on social media, we’ll post reminders for you too! Plus, when you visit us at Ladysmith Smiles, we’ll provide you with a take-home toothbrush at the end of your dental appointment.
Tip #3: Don’t Ignore Nutrition and Hydration
What you eat plays a huge role in keeping your teeth healthy and avoiding unexpected findings at your next dental cleaning. A balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps keep your teeth strong and your gums in good shape. Crunchy fruits and vegetables stimulate saliva production, which helps clean your mouth naturally while promoting oral health. Drinking plenty of water—make this your drink of choice—is also super important as it helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth fresh and your teeth protected from cavities and gum disease.
Tip #4: Skip the Tobacco
Did you know that tobacco use is one of the leading causes of dental problems? Smoking and chewing tobacco can stain your teeth, cause bad breath, and increase your risk of gum disease and even oral cancer. It also reduces blood flow to your gums, making it harder for them to heal. By avoiding tobacco, you’re protecting not only your smile but also your overall health.
Tip #5: Chew Xylitol Gum
Chewing xylitol-based sugar-free gum is a simple way to give your teeth a little extra protection between dental visits to Ladysmith Smiles. Xylitol helps reduce cavity-causing bacteria and boosts saliva production, which helps naturally cleanse your mouth. The act of chewing also dislodges food particles and plaque that brushing might miss. Chewing a piece after meals, when brushing is not practical, can help keep your mouth fresh and reduce your risk of cavities, giving your oral health a boost.
Tip #6: Be Aware of Changes in Your Mouth
You know your body best, and that includes your mouth and oral health. Pay attention to any changes, like bleeding gums, dry mouth, tooth sensitivity, or bad breath that doesn’t go away. These could be signs of gum disease or other dental issues that need attention. If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait—contact us at Ladysmith Smiles right away. Catching problems early can help prevent them from getting worse.
Tip #7: Be Consistent with Dental Check-Ups
While daily habits are essential for great oral health, regular dental checkups with your Ladysmith dentist and dental hygienist are a must too. Scheduling your next cleaning and checkup with your Ladysmith dentist in advance helps you stay on top of your oral care. We typically recommend scheduling your Ladysmith dentist appointments every six months for best oral health maintenance, though some individuals may require more frequent visits. Regular visits to your Ladysmith dentist enable us to identify potential issues early, preventing them from developing into more serious problems. Our team of Ladysmith dental professionals are here to help you keep your smile healthy, and by combining good at-home care with regular professional checkups and cleanings—our goal is to inspire you to smile more!
Maintain Oral Hygiene and Dental Cleanings in Ladysmith
By keeping up with a few simple dental habits and staying consistent with your oral care routine, you’re setting yourself up for a healthier smile between visits to Ladysmith Smiles. Regular cleanings and great at-home hygiene can make a big difference—not just for your teeth and gums, but also for your wallet—by helping you avoid the hassle and expense of more complex dental treatments down the road. If you have any questions or would like to book your dental cleaning with our team, please do not hesitate to contact us.