5 Tips for At-Home Oral Care

Now, more than ever, it is important to stay on top of your health. But did you know that your oral health has a direct impact on your overall health? One of the best ways to stay healthy is to keep up with diligent at-home care. Dr. Jonathan Siverson and the team at Forest Lake Smiles are here to help with this list of 5 ways you can up your at-home oral care game. 

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1. Brush at least twice a day

We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice daily: once in the morning, and once at night before bedtime. When you are awake, your mouth produces saliva which helps to wash away plaque and bacteria, keeping your mouth clean. But while you sleep, less saliva is produced which leads to a build-up of plaque on your teeth. That’s why it is important to brush your teeth when you wake up to clean off any bacteria that may have grown overnight. 

Similarly, we recommend brushing in the evening after you’ve eaten your last meal of the day. Plus, by brushing frequently, you’ll be removing bacteria from your mouth, helping to keep your whole body healthy and germ-free. 

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2. Floss daily

Studies have shown that flossing allows you to clean an extra 40% of your teeth compared to brushing alone. Flossing daily removes plaque and tartar from hard to reach places between your teeth and gums that can’t be reached by even the most careful brushing. 

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3. Stay away from sugar

Sugar itself is not actually bad for your teeth, but the acids that are left behind when your saliva breaks down the sugar are! These acids can easily eat away at your enamel, causing soft spots or even cavities. Whenever possible we recommend limiting your intake of sugar for your oral health as well as your overall health.  

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4. Use a fluoride toothpaste

Did you know that brushing with a fluoride toothpaste can actually help prevent cavities? When plaque and tartar start to eat away at your teeth, the enamel becomes depleted of essential minerals. Fluoride helps to combat this weakening of the enamel by attracting healthy minerals back to your teeth, thus strengthening them and helping to prevent further decay. 

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5. Drink water after meals and snacks

We understand, sometimes you need to reach for that afternoon candy bar or bags of chips. Self-care is important in stressful times, and we think that you shouldn’t have to give up eating some comfort food (in moderation of course!) We do recommend that you brush after your midnight binge or afternoon pick-me-up, but if you don’t have time to brush, drinking a glass of water is a good second choice! The water will remove some of the food residue as it flows over your teeth. You can also swish vigorously and spit to remove more starches and sugars which can create plaque and eat away at your enamel. Of course, this is not meant to replace brushing, but rinsing with some water will hold you over until you can brush. 

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Have Questions? Get in Touch Today! 

If you want help developing a strong at-home oral care routine, our team is happy to help. Or if you are looking for a dentist in Forest Lake, we are here for you! We are always accepting new patients and would be honored to help you reach your smile goals. Feel free to give us a call at (651) 464-8207. If you’re in the Forest Lake area, you can stop by our office at 1068 Lake Street S, Suite 210, Forest Lake, MN 55025. We can’t wait to see your smile!