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Home Dental Care for a Healthy, Confident Smile

At Granite Bay Dentistry, we recommend seeing a dentist at least twice a year. However, in between the dental appointments, you must maintain your oral hygiene to keep your mouth healthy. Your objective is to eradicate plaque, a clear film that clings to your teeth. It’s usually composed of bacteria that release acids and toxins that cause enamel erosion and gum infection.

If you want a grin that not only looks good but healthy, taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t an option. Here are five tips from Dr. Colby Smith to maintain a healthy smile.

Brush your teeth properly every day

Brushing may seem basic, but many people don’t do it right. Many rush through brushing their teeth as they hurry up for school, work, or bed. Here are pointers to make brushing effective in preventing plaque build-up:

  • Brush at least twice a day
  • Brush every surface of your teeth
  • Spend about two minutes brushing, and give every part of your mouth attention
  • Consider an electric toothbrush

Also, don’t forget your tongue. Gently clean your tongue using a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove harmful bacteria that cause bad breath.

Flossing daily

You might find flossing time-consuming, but this oral care routine is crucial in getting into areas your typical toothbrush can’t reach. Keeping the “tight spots” clean eliminates plaque, keeping cavities and gum disease at bay.

Consider mouthwash

Swishing with a mouthwash after cleaning your teeth eliminates harmful bacteria effectively. However, mouthwash shouldn’t mean you slack in brushing and flossing your teeth. Mouthwash isn’t meant to substitute brushing and flossing — it can only complement your at-home oral care.

Eat healthy foods

Consider fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy teeth and gums. Limit the intake of sugary foods and drinks to reduce the risk of plaque formation. Increase fluid intake to wash away food particles and other debris.

Kick out bad habits

Do you smoke? Tobacco isn’t only bad news for your lungs but is also detrimental to your dental health. Smoking encourages the build-up of plaque and causes gum disease to progress quickly. Also, if you grind your teeth at night, consider a nightguard to prevent dental damage and TMD/TMJ disorder.

Find your perfect smile with a Granite Bay, California dentist

If you follow the above tips, you will be on your way to a healthy, beautiful smile. However, to complete your oral care regimen, you must see a dentist at least twice a year. If you are a resident of Granite Bay, CA, and the surrounding regions, please call (916) 735-4720 to schedule a consultation with Granite Bay Dentistry.

Dr. Colby Smith

Colby Smith, DDS, MAGD

With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Colby Smith earned a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree with honors at UC Santa Barbara before completing his doctorate and advanced residency training at UCLA, where he also taught for over a decade. One of under 1% of dentists nationally to achieve Board-certification in General Dentistry, he prioritizes ongoing education, completing over 150 hours annually, teaching fellow dentists, and contributing to scientific literature. Dr. Smith is a member of the ADA, American Board of General Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, California Dental Association, Academy of Operative Dentistry, and Sacramento District Dental Society.