Health Inspired Dentistry Blog

Four Spring Cleaning Tips for a Healthy Mouth Wednesday, 02 April 2014

Annual spring cleaning rituals should also include taking inventory of teeth cleaning routines. The following are four habits we recommend that patients do each day to keep oral hygiene in top shape.

Use an Electric Toothbrush

At more than 30,000 strokes per minute compared to an average 100 strokes per minute with a manual toothbrush, electric toothbrushes work harder by pushing fluid between teeth and around the gum line, which provides a more effective cleaning.

Floss at Night

The CDC reports that nearly 65 million Americans—one out every two adults ages 30 and older—have gum disease. Therefore, flossing once a day is crucial to avoid plaque and tartar, a hard mineral deposit that can cause gums to become swollen and inflamed, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.

Select the Right Toothpaste

The reality is that removal of surface stains by a toothpaste will make the tooth “look” lighter, but not change its inherent color. To lighten or “bleach” teeth, schedule a professional in-office whitening treatment, or use over-the-counter name brand bleaching products that work on the internal aspect of the tooth, not just the external aspect as a toothpaste does.

Eat Foods Good for Healthy Teeth

Research studies show that certain foods naturally cleanse your teeth while you eat them.

  • Fruits like strawberries and pineapple are high in fiber and vitamin C. The citric acid in pineapple also provides an all-natural bacteria-fighting mouthwash.
  • Veggies like kale and broccoli are high in minerals that strengthen tooth structure and prevent enamel erosion (or yellowing).
  • Onions and wasabi –a type of Japanese horse radish– both contain compounds that reduce oral bacteria.
  • Quinoa has minerals including Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus to strengthen teeth.