Many oral health problems, including dental decay and periodontal disease, can be prevented with a combination of at-home care and regular visits to your Tucson, Arizona dentist. Jeff Martin, DDS, William Taylor, DDS, and their friendly team welcome you for a dental exam and teeth cleaning at Martin Taylor Dentistry. It is recommended that you make these appointments twice a year to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.

While these appointments are important, here are some other ways you can help your oral health.

Brush Your Teeth Regularly

It cannot be overstated how important it is to brush your teeth at least twice daily. When you brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush, you are removing any bacteria, plaque, and food particles that may be present on your teeth. You should brush your teeth for around two minutes each time to remove all the plaque from your teeth.

Daily Flossing

Good oral hygiene is more than just brushing your teeth. Unfortunately, many people fail to floss on a daily basis, but this is a critical component of complete oral hygiene. The simple fact is that your toothbrush cannot reach every area of your tooth. Flossing is important to remove food particles that are between your teeth as well as any plaque buildup. Flossing on a daily basis will help prevent some serious oral health problems.

Rinse With Mouthwash

After you brush and floss, you can also use mouthwash to rinse any remaining food particles. This is the final element of a good at-home dental regimen. Mouthwash will also help kill any existing bacteria in your mouth and leave your mouth feeling minty and fresh! Many types of mouthwash also contain fluoride, which will help strengthen your teeth.

Regular Dental Cleanings

While you can do a lot for your oral health from home with a proper oral hygiene regimen, you also need to be making regularly scheduled visits to your dentist (twice a year is recommended) for your teeth to be professionally cleaned. Your dentist and oral hygienist will completely clean your teeth, removing any built-up tartar that may be present along the gumline. An examination will also be performed that allows for the diagnosis of any developing oral health concerns so that a treatment plan can be made.

If You Chew Gum, Choose Sugar-Free

Did you know that a dry mouth is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria? When you chew gum, it will stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth, which makes chewing gum a beneficial activity for your oral health – just make sure you choose sugar-free gum because sugar is a fuel for bacteria production. When saliva is generated in your mouth, this can help remove any lingering food particles and bacteria. Chewing gums after a meal or when you are unable to brush your teeth can be very beneficial.

To schedule an appointment at Martin Taylor Dentistry, please call our Tucson, AZ office today at (520) 600-6925.