Home Care in North Miami Beach, FL

A Comprehensive Guide to At-Home Dental Care

An at-home good oral hygiene routine plays a huge role in preserving your teeth and preventing common dental problems like cavities, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. At Dr. Abbo Advanced Dentistry, our North Miami Beach, FL dentists are here to provide you with the guidance you need to help ensure that your smile remains healthy and lasts for years! Read our guide to learn about steps you can take at home to maintain your oral health.

Our At-Home Advice for Better Oral Health

Brushing Your Teeth

Almost everybody knows that brushing your teeth twice daily is the cornerstone of proper oral hygiene. However, most people don’t know how to brush their teeth properly. It’s essential to brush your teeth in the morning and night with an ADA-approved toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Follow these steps to brush your teeth the right way:

  • Squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto your toothbrush
  • Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and gums
  • Brush the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth in a circular motion
  • Hold your toothbrush vertically to clean behind your front teeth
  • Brush your tongue to help freshen your breath

Flossing In Between Your Teeth

Daily flossing is often an overlooked part of most people’s dental care routine. However, flossing removes food particles from hard-to-reach places in between your teeth that a toothbrush just can’t reach. This simple oral hygiene step ensures that you don’t experience gum disease or tooth decay.

Check out these steps to floss properly:

  • Wrap 12 to 16 inches of dental floss around both of your middle fingers
  • Leave up to 2 inches of floss between your hands to guide it between your teeth
  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and below the gum line
  • Move the floss up and down to clean the side of each tooth

Rinsing With Mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth with salt water or a non-alcoholic mouthwash can break down plaque, remove food particles, and freshen your breath. Be sure to consult Dr. Abbo to see if you need a specific type of over-the-counter mouthwash to help with your oral health depending on your smile’s unique needs. Using a salt rinse can also ease your gums and help relieve any irritation you may have after undergoing a dental procedure or brushing your teeth.

Other Dental Tips for Your Smile

There are various other tips and dental tools that you can incorporate into your oral health routine. Depending on your oral health needs, our North Miami Beach, FL dentist may recommend interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, fluoride rinses, irrigation devices, medicated rinses, and tongue cleaners. The best way to know what dental tool is right for you is to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists! They can help address any questions or concerns you may have.

Be Sure to Keep Up With Your Dentist

Even the most dedicated patients can still miss the mark with their oral health. That’s why it’s important to visit our North Miami Beach, FL dentists for biannual dental checkups. They’ll be able to check for any underlying issues and use their advanced technology to thoroughly clean your teeth and remove any lingering bacteria. Having a professional cleaning can also be an opportunity for you to voice any concerns or goals you may have for your smile’s oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s recommended that you use an ADA-approved soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth twice a day. Using an electric toothbrush can help can remove plaque and tartar more easily. Be sure to reach out to your dentist to see if they can recommend a specific toothbrush or brand to help you with your at-home oral care routine.
Rinsing after brushing and eating helps remove lingering food particles and plaque. It also freshens your breath and helps to maintain good oral hygiene. Consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on the appropriate over-the-counter product to use for your cleaning your teeth.
A balanced diet is important for maintaining good oral hygiene. Limiting the number of snacks and sugary foods you consume can help reduce plaque and bacteria buildup in your teeth. Certain foods and beverages can also stain your teeth and make them appear duller. Be sure to ask your dentist if they recommend any changes to your diet to ensure that your smile remains healthy and strong for years to come.
The best way to keep your smile healthy before your next dental visit is to practice a thorough and consistent at-home oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth twice every day, flossing daily, and rinsing your mouth after every meal. While you still need to visit your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings, caring for your smile the rest of the year can have long-term benefits to the well-being of your oral health.

Having a Healthy Smile Starts at Home

Your home dental routine is crucial to your oral health. By brushing, flossing, and using other dental aids as recommended by your dentist, you can help keep your smile healthy for years to come. Schedule a visit at Dr. Abbo Advanced Dentistry by calling (305) 945-0909 or by filling out our online contact form. We also serve patients in Norland, Ojus, and Keystone Islands, FL.

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