You might already know that you should be focused on taking good care of your teeth at home. However, what you might not know is that your dentist can help you beyond just providing care in their office. Believe it or not, your dentist can actually help you take better care of your teeth at home, too. These are a few reasons why.

Prescribing At-Home Products

First of all, your dentist can prescribe you at-home use products that will help you take care of your teeth. If you're interested in whitening your teeth, you can ask your dentist for take-home, prescription-grade products. You may find this is a cheaper option than having your teeth whitened in-office but that it's a more effective option than using drug store teeth whitening products. If you have gum disease or other issues, your dentist might prescribe a prescription toothpaste, mouthwash, or both.

Recommending Over-the-Counter Products

Even if your dentist does not think that you need prescription at-home dental care products, they might have some helpful recommendations for you. If you're unsure about which toothpaste might work best for your teeth, your dentist can give you an option that works well for you. Let them know about issues that you might have had with toothpaste in the past, and they should be able to make great recommendations. They can also talk to you about commercially available mouthwash, water flossers, electric toothbrushes, and more. With your dentist's advice, you'll know exactly which products to purchase so you can take the best possible care of your teeth.

Advising You About Proper Home Care Practices

You might think that you know the best ways to take care of your teeth at home. However, your dentist and other dental care professionals can give you recommendations about proper brushing and flossing techniques, can tell you how to use at-home whitening products in a safe and effective manner, and much more.

Giving You a Clean Mouth to Work With

Once plaque has built up on your teeth, it can be difficult or impossible for you to do a good, thorough job of cleaning your teeth at home yourself. Going in for a professional cleaning on a regular basis is very important. Then, you will have a nice, clean mouth to work with when you're taking care of your teeth at home. This can make your job a whole lot easier, and it can help you ensure that your teeth stay a lot healthier, too.

To learn more, contact a dentist in your area.