Blog

How to Care For Your Dental Health In-Between Dentist Visits

Posted by Southeast Family Dental Sep 09,2020

Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is essential for maintaining proper hygiene. Regular dentist visits will ensure your teeth are clean and healthy. If there are any signs or symptoms of a possible dental issue, your dentist will be able to address it and provide a solution before it worsens.

You schedule your dental appointments every 6 months or sooner depending on your specific dental care, but how can you maintain good oral health in-between visits? There are several ways to keep those teeth clean and healthy even when you’re not sitting in the dental chair. Because most patients only see their dentist twice a year, it’s essential for them to know how to properly care for their teeth all year long.

In this guide below, you’ll find several helpful tips for keeping up with great oral health throughout the year. Continue reading to learn more!

  • Brush and Floss Daily

You’ve been told this your entire life most likely: brush and floss daily. You should brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Once in the morning and once before bed is ideal.

Brushing and flossing after each meal is wonderful, but not always realistic for those who don’t have access to a sink and all the necessities during the day. However, it is a good idea to pack flossing picks with you for when you need to quickly clean your teeth after lunch while at work or school.

Each time you brush, be sure to brush for a total of two minutes. Consider playing music while brushing to help the time go by faster.

  • Reduce High-Sugar Foods and Drinks

Did you know your diet could have an impact on your oral health? Eating foods or drinking beverages high in sugar can have a negative effect on your teeth. Certain foods can leave a residue on your teeth that’s hard to remove while other foods and beverages can stain your teeth.

SEE ALSO: What Dentists Recommend as Alternatives to High-Sugar Drinks

High-sugar foods will leave sugar on and around your teeth, which can then cause cavities if not properly removed. Although it might not be realistic to stop eating and drinking these items completely, it’s beneficial to cut back on them as much as possible. After eating or drinking these items, be sure to drink a glass of water.

This will help rinse out your mouth.

  • Replace Your Old Toothbrush

When’s the last time you replaced your toothbrush? A general rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. You’ll want to replace it even sooner if the bristles start to wear out.

Replacing your toothbrush on a regular basis will reduce the number of germs and bacteria that grow on it. If you use an electric toothbrush, then you can simply replace the toothbrush head. Once the bristles start to wear out, your toothbrush won’t be as effective, so always pay close attention to that small detail.

  • Rinse With Mouthwash

If you’re not already using a mouthwash, then now is a good time to add it into your routine. Rinsing with mouthwash helps control gingivitis, plaque, bad breath, and tooth decay. Make sure to purchase an antiseptic one for the best results.

You can also ask your dentist for suggestions or see if they have one at your dentist’s office for you to buy. Use your mouthwash after brushing and flossing for optimal oral health.

  • Chew Gum After Meals

When you don’t have access to dental floss or a toothbrush and toothpaste, all of the food you eat throughout the day can build up on and in between your teeth. Small food particles can get stuck between teeth and in the crevices on top of your teeth, which may be difficult to remove.

If you’re unable to brush or floss, then chewing gum could be a good option for you. Chewing gum will help remove the food particles on your teeth and will help create more saliva in your mouth. Saliva is needed to break down food and keep your mouth clean.

SEE ALSO: Can Chewing Gum Prevent Cavities?

  • Eat Foods That Help Clean

Did you know there are certain foods that can help clean your mouth? That’s right! Crisp foods like apples and carrots can actually help clean your teeth.

These food items are never a substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can help when you have no other option. Keep an apple, sticks of carrots, or celery with you to snack on after lunch.

  • Schedule Emergency Dentist Appointments

Dental emergencies happen. When you least expect it, you might have a major dental issue. A broken tooth, chipped tooth, and a toothache are just a few reasons why you might need to schedule an emergency appointment.

If you do experience any of these issues or any other dental emergency, then don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. Even if you’re not due for your next appointment, don’t wait. See your dentist as soon as possible.

When you explain the situation to them, they’ll work with you to get you in as quickly as they can.

  • Are You Due for Dentist Visits?

Is it about time to see your dentist? Scheduling regular dentist visits is a crucial part of maintaining good oral health. Make sure you see your dentist as often as recommended and don’t forget to ask any questions you might have about keeping clean and healthy teeth.

When you’re ready to schedule your appointment, contact Southeast Family Dental. Here, we focus on building strong relationships with all of our patients while offering high-quality dental services. We offer several different dental services and are looking forward to hearing from you.

Click here to schedule your first appointment.

Leave A Reply

Please fill all the fields.
More Blog Posts
A Dentist’s Favorite TikTok Videos
A Dentist’s Favorite TikTok Videos

Sure, TikTok is filled with all the latest dance crazes and funny pet tricks, but that doesn’t mean a dentist can’t have fun with this viral video app too! Lots of dentists are jumping on the TikTok bandwagon and some of their videos are pretty funny. We asked Dr. Geiger and Dr. Jones to pick out some of their favorite dental-themed TikTok videos. We think you’ll enjoy them as much as they did! Dr. Geiger’s Favorite TikTok Videos Okay, we admit it. We may occasionally use dental lingo that only we understand! But, we still always have your best interests in mind! https://www.tiktok.com/?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.southeastfamilydental.com%2F&referer_video_id=6865650591734025478&refer=embed [https://www.tiktok.com/?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.southeastfamilydental.com%2F&referer_video_id=6865650591734025478&refer=embed] C’mon, admit it. How many of you try to convince how “good” you’ve been since your last checkup? We hope we really aren’t the most hated but yeah, we get it – going to the dentist might not be your favorite part of the day! Dr. Jones’s Favorite TikTok Videos Yes, even the staff at your dentist’s office can get excited doing their job! https://www.tiktok.com/?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.southeastfamilydental.com%2F&referer_video_id=6834617213874474245&refer=embed [https://www.tiktok.com/?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.southeastfamilydental.com%2F&referer_video_id=6834617213874474245&refer=embed]  Did you ever wonder how a dentist gets a checkup?

Are smokeless (chewing) tobacco and e-cigarettes bad for your teeth?
Are smokeless (chewing) tobacco and e-cigarettes bad for your teeth?

It is widely known that smoking can seriously harm your oral health. Smoking increases the prevalence of oral cancers, gum disease, plaque, tooth discoloration and loss of bone in the jaw. Risk to oral health? In recent years, e-cigarettes have had a huge increase in popularity. Users enjoy the absence of bad-smelling smoke and the ability to vape inside. There is the lack of any fire risk and potential cost savings compared to traditional cigarettes. Since vaping does not involve inhaling the same thick smoke as cigarettes, some believe that e-cigarettes do not pose a risk to oral health. Although there is some evidence to suggest e-cigarettes may be less harmful to your general health than traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes can cause serious damage to your oral health. E-cigarettes are known to cause inflammation of the throat and the mouth. Furthermore, these devices are not yet known to be safe to operate. There are multiple documented cases of e-cigarettes exploding in the mouths of users, causing both burns and broken teeth. Lastly, while some people may find e-cigarettes useful as a smoking cessation aid, they can also function as a gateway drug. Significant numbers of young people become accustomed to the actions and rituals of smoking in the first place through e-cigarettes, and then go on to smoke traditional cigarettes. Smokeless (chewing) tobacco A similar dynamic is at work with smokeless tobacco. Some users believe that because they do not inhale any smoke, there will be no harm to their oral health. However, smokeless tobacco is known to have a profoundly harmful impact on oral health. It dramatically increases the risk of oral cancer. Many users also experience gum (periodontal) disease. Tooth discoloration occurs in many cases. Some people also experience a decreased sense of smell and taste. In addition, smokeless tobacco often has harmful additives. Sugar is a common component, which increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Sand and grit are also very common in chewing tobacco. Their presence erodes teeth and causes increased teeth sensitivity. Chewing tobacco and vaping might not generate smoke as traditional cigarettes do, but they can be very harmful to your oral health. If you would like to quit smoking, talk to your doctor about smoking aids or programs. If you are experiencing any of effects above, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Southeast Family Dental on 317-359-8000.

That trip to the dentist might not cost as much as you think
That trip to the dentist might not cost as much as you think

Some people avoid going to the dentist because they think of dental expenses as a cost that they can avoid. However, the average dental bill is considerably less than other common household expenses that might not be completely necessary. Coffee, alcohol and the gym The average American spends $700 on coffee each year. Most of this comes from ordering coffee in cafes. While making coffee at home costs no more than a few cents, the same cup of joe might cost over $5 in a cafe. Similarly, the average person over 21 spends $400 each year on alcohol. Moreover, while a typical gym membership costs about $40 or $50 per month, about 70% of those go unused. Going to your dentist, on the other hand, is absolutely essential to safeguard your oral health. Your dentist can help you to improve your oral health, find problems and deal with them before they develop, and also give you peace of mind. Overestimating dental expenses Many people overestimate dental expenses, or assume that they will cost more than they actually do. Wanting to minimize expenses in the short term encourages people to visit their dentist infrequently. This tendency is made worse because many healthcare plans do not include dental coverage. Yet this short-term approach to dental care is actually far more expensive over time. The paradox of dental expenses is that they can be reduced by going to the dentist regularly. This is because of the age old principle that prevention is better than cure. Your dentist can catch problems and deal with them early on. This often saves people a lot of money that they would have to spend treating more serious issues further on down the line. For example, a cavity that could be resolved with a simple filling early on might require a root canal a few months later. Regular check-ups are key Regular check-ups are the key to safeguarding your oral health and also to keeping your dental bills low. If you’d like to find out more or to schedule a check up, please do not hesitate to give the friendly office staff at Southeast Family Dental a call today on 317-359-8000.

Would a Dog Calm Your Fears at the Dentist?
Would a Dog Calm Your Fears at the Dentist?

Do you suffer from fears and anxiety when going to the dentist? Or, maybe a trip to the dentist is a scary event for your child, which also stresses you out? Dental fears, anxiety and phobia are extremely common. It’s estimated that between 5% and 8% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to fears. Some people (perhaps up to 20%) experience so much anxiety that they’ll only go to the dentist when it’s absolutely necessary. People experience dental anxiety and fears for various reasons, including: * Previous bad experiences at the dentist’s office. * Fear of pain. * Feeling helpless or not in control of the situation. * Embarrassment about the state of their teeth and gums. Being unfamiliar with the instruments, noises and smells in the dental office. This is especially true for young children. At Southeast Family Dental, we understand how the dentist’s office can cause anxiety and fears. But calming fears isn’t just for kids, some adults need help calming their anxiety at the dentist, too. So a dentist located in Northbrook, IL, has found an ingenious way to do just that. He brings a trained comfort dog into his office. The golden retriever soothes nervous kids and adults alike by comforting them during dental exams. In fact, the golden retriever has a sixth sense when it comes to figuring out exactly who needs him the most. A comfort dog really is an excellent idea to calm dental fears, because animals tend to have a soothing effect on people. Other ideas that dentists may use to calm your fears, include: * Providing you with an iPad and headphones, so you can listen to relaxing music or watch a TV program to distract you. * Offering you a blanket for warmth, comfort and the feeling of security. * Giving you nitrous oxide or other sedatives to help you feel relaxed during dental exams or procedures. If you suffer from dental anxiety and fears, talk to our team at Southeast Family Dental. We can talk to you about what to expect during your appointment and help you find ways to ease your fears. We want to make sure your dental experience is as calm, comfortable and stress-free as possible for you.

World Record | Largest Collection of Toothpaste
World Record | Largest Collection of Toothpaste

You’ve probably never really given much thought into how many different types of toothpaste there are in the world. When you head to the stores to pick up a new tube of toothpaste you may be met with dozens of different makes and types of toothpaste. Maybe you have a brand that you have stuck to for years, or maybe you go with whatever is on offer or is the cheapest. But it turns out that there is a whole world of choice out there. Building A World Record Toothpaste Collection One man actually collects toothpaste. Dr. Val Kolpakov is a dentist who actually started out collecting pulled teeth. He switched hobbies and began collecting different types of toothpaste. So far, he has amassed a collection of over 3000 different tubes from everywhere in the world. He switched from pulling teeth to collecting toothpaste because it was “more exciting”. Of course, he displays his entire collection in his Saginaw, MI, dental surgery for all of his patients to see. It’s probably a much nicer sight than his previous collection. It is probably no surprise that will a collection of toothpaste so large, Dr. Val Kolpakov holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of toothpaste. So Much Variation In Dr. Val Kolpakov’s world record collection, there are a whole host of different varieties. If you want to feel as though you want a treat while you brush, his collection is home to chocolate, curry, and whiskey toothpaste. One of Dr. Val Kolpakov’s toothpaste dates all the way back to 1801. Although not strictly a toothpaste, because it hadn’t actually been invented then, this is a tooth powder in a silver box. The scariest toothpaste of all dates back to the second world war and is made using a radioactive compound. While nobody would rush to use this now, it was believed at the time that the radiation would revive your gums. He has red wine toothpaste, amaretto flavored paste, there are celebrity toothpaste tubes that have featured on TV and movie sets. Dr. Val Kolpakov started collecting after he had heard of a German dentist who had collected 500 different types of toothpaste. About a quarter of the world record collection that was started in 2002 by Dr. Val Kolpakov is on display in his dental practice in Saginaw. Your Toothpaste Doesn’t Have to Break a World Record Of course, there is no need for you to buy three thousand different types of toothpaste. One good toothpaste is all that you will require. The reason that you need to brush your teeth is that each day bacteria form in your mouth and sticks to your teeth. These bacteria can cause plaque to form on the teeth, which in turn will lead to tooth decay. Bacterial plaque also causes gum disease if left to its own devices. So brushing helps to get rid of the plaque-causing bacteria and is therefore very important for your oral health. Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day. You should brush for two minutes at a time, ensuring that you get every part of your teeth including the sides, tops, and backs. The most important thing that you need in your toothpaste is fluoride. This helps to remineralize your teeth and reverse the effects that plaque and reduce the risk of decay. Stannous fluoride provides all of the benefits of regular fluoride toothpaste, however, it also helps with sensitive teeth. There are a number of different types of fluoride available in toothpaste. In some cases, your dentist may recommend high-fluoride toothpaste if you are at a higher risk of tooth decay. You should only use this type of toothpaste if your dentist specifically recommends it. Getting The Best Advice On Your Dental Needs If you are in anyway unsure about the type of toothpaste that you should be using, be sure and speak with your dentist about it while having a check-up. Having a regular dental check-up is vital for your overall oral health. It allows dentists to spot the early warning signs of tooth decay and allows them to do something about it. Plaque can be removed before it becomes a problem, however, once decay has set into your teeth, it may cause considerable discomfort and will require more work doing to it. Prevention is far better than having dental procedures, and that is why your dentist will be happy to provide you with any advice that you need to help you maintain healthy teeth through regular brushing with the right toothpaste.

Location

6020 Southeastern Ave,
Indianapolis, IN 46203

Office Hours

MON - THU:8:00 am-5:00 pm

FRI:8:00 am-2:00 pm

SAT - SUN:Closed