Want to know the key to the highest level of oral health? Well, it’s you! Although dentists play a pivotal role in helping you achieve strong, healthy, and beautiful teeth, the responsibility for maintaining your oral health lies with you and your approach to oral hygiene at home.
At SmileBuilders, we tirelessly work to improve the dental health of our patients. A job well-done for us is a patient that needs to come to our practice less frequently because they don’t have oral health problems for us to fix. With that in mind, here are some things you should know about oral hygiene that will help keep your teeth healthy so that your dental visits can be limited to routine examinations, cosmetic improvements, and the occasional cleaning.
How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?
One of the most important elements of good oral health is your relationship with your dentist. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone should visit a dentist at least once every six months. This gives you the opportunity to undergo important oral health exams, cleanings, and identify dental problems before they worsen.
How Should I Care for My Teeth?
The key to clean teeth is frequency and thoroughness. Here are some general rules to follow for keeping your teeth clean:
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Brush your teeth at least twice a day
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Use a fluoride toothpaste
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Floss between your teeth every day, ideally after every meal
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Maintain a healthy and balanced diet that restricts the amount of sugar and alcohol you consume
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Avoid tobacco products
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See your dentist regularly for preventative treatment
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If you are at high risk for gum disease, consider using over-the-counter antimicrobial treatments
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Use mouthwashes with fluoride
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Consider using electric toothbrushes as they will provide a more thorough clean than a traditional brush
Why Do I Need to Clean My Teeth So Often?
Our teeth are complex structures filled with crevices and tight spots where small pieces of food particles can become stuck. These bits of food are the perfect breathing ground for bacteria that will slowly accumulate and calcify (harden) around your teeth, creating a layer of plaque that leads to inflammation and gum disease. Furthermore, there are some foods that have high levels of sugars and acidic elements that, if allowed to sit on the surface of your teeth, can begin to eat away at the enamel - causing cavities and opening the door for infections.
Want to Learn More About Oral Hygiene in Monsey, NY?
Our team at SmileBuilders understands that our job is not done when you leave our office. We strive to give you all the information you need to maintain your oral health at home. If you want to learn more, give us a call today!