How to Maintain That Feeling of Freshness After a Dental Cleaning

How to Maintain That Feeling of Freshness After a Dental Cleaning
Posted on 03/12/2019
Girl in dental chair

Even if you brush and floss diligently, there’s no fresher feeling than getting a professional dental cleaning. Dentists and hygienists clean in places that a toothbrush and floss just can’t reach. They have the tools and expertise to remove plaque and tartar that you might have missed. That being said, the guide below will help you extend the “fresh from the dentist” sensation as long as possible.

4 Tips for Keeping Your Smile Bright After a Cleaning

1. Skip the Soda

Drinking soda and other sugar-laden drinks will contribute to plaque and tartar faster than almost anything else. Have you ever noticed how your teeth and tongue feel slightly fuzzy afterward? That’s the sugar coating your mouth, and since bacteria thrive on this sugar, it can lead to plaque, tartar, decay, and bad breath.

2. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

When you don’t have the opportunity to brush after eating or drinking, chewing gum is a convenient alternative. Keep a pack in your purse or pocket so you always have it on you, and pop in a piece after every meal. The gum will stimulate the production of saliva, which will rinse away food particles and keep bacteria at bay. And if it’s mint-flavored, it will freshen your breath at least temporarily.

3. Stock Up on Mouthwash

Rinsing with mouthwash should never be used to replace brushing and flossing, but it can definitely supplement your oral hygiene efforts. Nowadays, there are different formulas for different oral health needs, so ask the dentist for some rinse recommendations at your next appointment.

4. Clean in-between

Taking the time to clean in-between your teeth every day, really helps keep that fresh feeling lasting longer. Now days you can floss the traditional way or use the pre-threaded flossers (we call them floss-on-a-stick). Another option is a Water Flosser or a Water Pik. If you have spaces between your teeth, proxabrushes or soft picks are another great option. The basic idea is, just clean in-between your teeth every day for fresher breath and a healthier smile.

If it’s been a while since your mouth felt truly fresh, turn to the dentist at Steckelberg Dental. Located in Lincoln, NE, this practice provides comprehensive oral health care for patients at all stages of life. Led by Dr. Melanie Steckelberg, who has been in the field for more than a decade, they offer everything from teeth cleaning and whitening to dental implants. To view their full list of services, visit their website. To make an appointment with a friendly family dentist, call (402) 489-7800.