While seeing your dentist biannually is an important preventive measure, you should also be practicing oral hygiene at home. Brushing and flossing twice a day can reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and more. Today, your Overland Park, KS, dental team is here with helpful advice to make sure you are practicing proper prevention at home.
Read more: Taking Care Of Your Smile At HomeHygiene In The Morning And A Night
Have you ever wondered why you are supposed to brush your teeth at least twice a day? This motion helps remove food and drink particles that can turn into plaque. In the morning, you should do this to get rid of any film that may have developed overnight. Before bed, you should also do this to remove bacteria that accumulate throughout the day. If you are a frequent snacker, you may need to brush more often to prevent plaque buildup. Do not forget to also brush your tongue, as this organ can hold onto bacteria and cause bad breath.
The Importance Of Flossing
You should also be threading between your teeth each day with floss. This important step of your oral hygiene routine helps care for your gums. If you neglect this part of your routine, you may notice that your gums become swollen or irritated. This may be a sign of periodontal disease. The initial stage of this can be treated and reversed, but more progressive forms can only be managed with deep cleanings.
Toothbrush bristles alone may not be able to reach every surface of your mouth. To help remove food particles from hard-to-reach areas, use dental floss daily. String floss is said to be the most effective, but picks can work for patients with braces. If you struggle with these, a water pick may be helpful as well.
Do Not Forget Your Cleaning And Examination
Dental checkups help keep your smile healthy and detect problems early. During your appointment, the hygienist will remove plaque and polish your teeth. This helps decrease the chances of developing tooth decay or periodontal disease. They will also examine your teeth, gums, and tongue to make sure there are no areas of concern. X-rays may be used to take a closer look as well. If any potential problems are recognized, your dentist will discuss a helpful treatment plan.
Cavities are a common problem that patients face. We can treat decay with a filling. This will restore the area and prevent the cavity from further deteriorating the area. If decay is ignored, it could damage the pulp of the tooth and require a more invasive treatment.
Come In For A Checkup
If it has been longer than six months since your last dentist visit, it is time to schedule an appointment. Call Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS, today at 913-381-2600.