Brushing and flossing have long been two of the most effective ways to clean teeth, avoid cavities, and prevent oral health issues like gum disease. In addition to regular checkups and professional cleanings, as well as avoiding harmful foods, brushing and flossing are absolutely essential to a healthy mouth. While this is true, there are plenty of additional ways to clean teeth and further protect the rest of your mouth from other issues.
At Sweetwater Dental in Rock Springs, WY, we strive to provide our patients with the best treatment and helpful information so they can achieve the healthy smile they need. We know the importance of a healthy mouth, so let us fill you in on the many less common, yet effective ways to clean teeth.
3 Surprising Ways to Clean Teeth
It may come as a surprise, but brushing and flossing aren’t the only ways to keep your teeth clean and free of cavities. Of course, you should always brush and floss regardless of how effective these tips are. The practices to follow are simply additional ways to improve oral health. Take a look at the list below:
- Eat Teeth-Cleaning Foods: Believe it or not, some foods like apples and carrots can actually give your teeth a good cleaning while eating them. Try adding an apple, carrot, or celery to the end of your meal.
- Keep Cinnamon Gum at Hand: Cinnamon gum contains cinnamic aldehyde, which is a plant oil that inhibits bacteria growth, reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth. Keep some cinnamon gum in your pocket for chewing after meals—and make sure it’s sugar free!
- Drink Plenty of Water: Drinking water is a great way to wash bacteria away from teeth. Also, a dry mouth can harm teeth, as we need saliva to protect tooth enamel. Staying hydrated will keep your mouth from drying out.
Additional Ways to Clean Teeth and Promote Oral Health
Aside from following the tips above, there’s a variety of actions you can take to improve your efforts in maintaining great oral health. Though brushing and flossing are still necessary, these helpful tips could be beneficial factors in preventing oral health issues. Consider trying the tips to follow:
- Rinse with Coconut Oil: With antimicrobial properties, unrefined coconut oil can naturally kill the bacteria in your mouth. Just be sure not to swallow the oil when rinsing.
- Stay Out in the Sun: The sun’s vitamin D is essential to bone and skin health, yet it’s also beneficial for the teeth! Try catching some early morning sun for best results. You can also attain vitamin D by eating eggs and other foods.
- Look for Xylitol: An alternative to sugar, xylitol not only replaces harmful sugar in foods and drinks, it also can reduce cavity-causing bacteria from your mouth.
Flossing Options and On-the-Go Cleaning
We all know the importance of flossing, but many patients often avoid the tedious task. Fortunately, you have options. Quality dental floss will always be your best bet, so don’t reach for the cheapest string on the shelf. These types of cheap floss just won’t do their job efficiently. As far as other options go, you can try some of the products below:
- Proxabrushes: Shaped like a Christmas tree, proxabrushes are great for patients with braces or for simply bringing on the go. Keep some on you for after-meal cleaning.
- GUM Soft Picks: Another great product for on-the-go use, GUM soft picks feature soft rubber bristles and a comfortable grip for more convenient flossing.
While these alternatives are great for cleaning after meals, or when you forgot your floss, you should always be sure to use dental floss, as it’s the most effective way to remove plaque between your teeth.
Keep Teeth Protected with Sweetwater Dental
As you can see, you can do much more to clean your teeth than simply brushing and flossing. While brushing and flossing are always necessary, you should consider trying the tips above to promote better oral health. Additionally, all Rock Springs patients should visit Sweetwater Dental twice a year for regular checkups and teeth cleanings.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment so Dr. Taylor can assess your mouth and ensure there aren’t any underlying problems. You can also give us a call at 307.382.2707.