There is nothing quite like that "just cleaned" feeling in your mouth after you've visited the dentist for teeth cleaning. Unfortunately, that feeling doesn't always last. For many people, the freshness that they feel after a cleaning only lasts for a few days or weeks. Even worse, not keeping up with oral hygiene after a regular checkup can be detrimental to your oral health. To keep your mouth feeling clean and extend the effects of professional dental care, keep these tips in mind.

How to Preserve the Effects of a Professional Teeth Cleaning

1. Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

It's common for people to diligently brush and floss in the days immediately following a teeth cleaning, and then slowly start to slack off in between appointments. To maintain a clean, healthy mouth, stay on track with oral hygiene. This means brushing for two minutes twice a day, and flossing daily to remove debris and bacteria in between teeth. 

2. Eat Tooth-Friendly Food

Choosing snacks that naturally clean your teeth and provide vitamins and minerals that support dental health can help maintain the results of a teeth cleaning. 

Choose foods like carrots, apples, and other crunchy fruits and veggies that help increase saliva production and rinse away harmful bacteria. Calcium-rich foods, like dairy products, also support healthy teeth and strengthen tooth enamel. 

3. Cut Back on Sugar

Sugar feeds the natural bacteria living in your mouth, which can increase plaque and put you at risk for cavities. Plaque can also harden into tartar along the gum line. Tartar can only be removed by scraping with professional tools, and left unchecked, it can lead to gum disease. Limiting your sugar intake in addition to proper brushing and flossing reduce your risk and helps keep your mouth feeling clean. 

4. Take Care of Your Health

Certain health problems, like dry mouth or acid reflux, can increase the amount of plaque in your mouth, cause bad breath, and contribute to a number of other issues that reduce the effects of professional teeth cleaning. If you have health concerns, see your doctor for treatment to preserve your overall well-being as well as your dental health. 

Keep your smile healthy with regular teeth cleaning at the Hamilton, OH, dental practice of Charles P. Debbane, DDS. For more than 20 years, Dr. Debbane and Laura M. Arnold, DDS, have provided local families with friendly general and cosmetic dentistry to patients of all ages. They are committed to a comfortable environment that relies on the latest technology to develop personalized treatment plans. Learn more about the practice on the website, and schedule an appointment by calling (513) 887-6654.