Top 6 End of the Year Dental Tips From Our Charlotte Dentists

The New Year is around the corner. It is time to begin thinking about the things we would like to improve on in the upcoming year. Oral health is a good thing to think about. Experienced general dentists will help you keep your New Year’s resolution. If you are looking for a dentist in Charlotte, do not hesitate to give us a call. Here are six dental tips to help you achieve your goal.

Visit The Dentist 
Do not wait until there is a problem before you visit the dentist. Regular dental visits with experienced general dentists are essential to maintaining a healthy mouth. Dentists recommend visiting the dentist at least twice a year. A routine dental visit includes teeth cleaning and a dental exam. This ensures that your teeth and gums remain healthy. Professional teeth cleaning remove plaque and tartar that leads to tooth decay and gum disease. You will also leave the dentist office with a whiter, brighter smile. 

Use A High Quality Toothpaste
Toothpaste makes a difference. Clinical studies show that high quality toothpaste reduces the chances of developing periodontal diseases. Talk to your dentist about toothpaste. She will be happy to offer advice and tips about toothpaste.

Replace Your Toothbrush 
A toothbrush does not last forever. A worn toothbrush cannot clean your teeth properly. Germs and bacteria build up in the toothbrush as well. Dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every three months.

Proper Brushing Technique
Most of us know that we should brush our teeth. At the same time, however, many people are lazy about proper brushing technique. Here are a few pointers. 

1. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. It is important not to rush. Take the time to ensure that all of your teeth receive proper attention. People tend to neglect the hard-to-reach teeth in the back of the mouth.
2. The toothbrush should be held at a slight angle. Brush your teeth with a gentle back and forth motion. Brush all of the areas of the teeth and not just the front.
3. Keep the toothbrush clean. Always rinse the toothbrush after you are finished brushing. Store it in an upright position, and allow it to air-dry. Storing a toothbrush in a closed container encourages the growth of bacteria.  

Dental Floss
Daily flossing is essential to good oral hygiene. A toothbrush is unable to reach the tight spaces between the teeth and gums. Many people neglect flossing because they never learn how to do it properly. Flossing is actually quite simple.  

1. Use a strand of floss about 18 inches long. Wind the floss around middle finger of each hand. Control the flossing by pinching it between the thumb and index fingers of each hand.
2. Work on one tooth at a time. Start on the lower left side and work towards the lower right side. Gently slide the floss back and forth against the tooth. Unwind a fresh piece of floss when you move to the next tooth. Repeat the process on the top teeth.

Stop Smoking
Smoking is bad for our health in general. Smoking is also bad for dental health. Smoking leaves nasty, hard-to-remove stains and it makes the teeth brittle. 

Contact us if you are looking for a dentist in Charlotte. We will be happy to schedule an appointment. Our expert team can offer more dental tips to keep you smiling and healthy.