Every six months, you should have an appointment with your dentist to have your teeth cleaned and closely checked for any oral health problems. At these routine visits, you enjoy important preventive care as well as early restorative dental work when a problem is identified. While these visits are certainly important, they do not remove the need for you to stay consistent with good oral hygiene on a daily basis. There are several actions that you should take to guard your smile against threats like dental decay and gingivitis. At our Columbia, TN dentist's office, we can help patients who have experienced difficulties with preventive care by giving them guidance on daily care in addition to support in the office.
1. Make Sure Flossing Is Something You Do On A Daily Basis
Each day, bacteria and food debris can gather in the spaces where your teeth meet. If you only brush, those particles that build up between teeth can be left behind, which makes you vulnerable to issues with gum disease as well as tooth decay. Flossing on a daily basis, and not just when you feel something stuck between your teeth, will protect you against these problems as well as tartar buildup.
2. Brush For At Least Two Minutes Twice A Day
The time you spend brushing your teeth may be more important than you realize. Those who casually brush, or try to rush brushing so they can start their day sooner, are more likely to miss certain areas of their smile. When that happens, issues with tartar buildup and other oral health problems can occur. Unsure of how long you spend brushing your teeth? Setting a timer before brushing can help you determine if you give this habit enough time, or if you should lengthen the time you spend caring for your smile.
3. Start Drinking More Water
Being properly hydrated is important for your health, and it will help you avoid several possible problems. One problem this helps with is cavity prevention. People who are not drinking enough water are more likely to have issues with dry mouth. This is a problem because when you produce less saliva, you are not able to protect your teeth as effectively throughout the day. You should also know that drinking water as a substitute for other beverages can help you avoid teeth stains and cut back on sugar. Having water with meals will help you, too, because you can more easily wash away the food particles that could become stuck to your teeth.
Our Columbia, TN Dentist's Office Is Ready To Help You Protect Your Smile!
At Creekside Family Dentistry in Columbia, TN, patients can count on us to help them preserve an attractive, problem-free smile! In addition to providing regular checkups to support good oral hygiene, we are also prepared to provide services that help you address active problems, including cosmetic concerns. If you wish to find out more about us, please call our dentist's office in Columbia, TN at 931-388-3384!
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