Our teeth face a persistent threat from oral bacteria, one that is made worse when we fail to practice good oral hygiene habits. Because brushing and flossing are such an ingrained part of many people’s lives, they sometimes have trouble recognizing shortcomings in how they approach these tasks. Poor habits, along with a lack of regular dental exams, will make you more likely to experience problems like tooth decay and gum disease over time. If you are worried that you might not be doing enough to protect your smile, or if you are due for your next preventive appointment, call our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office to schedule a visit!
1. Make Sure You Floss Every Day
Brushing matters, and it is a task that you should commit to on a regular basis, but it is not the only action you should take to clean your teeth. Without a daily flossing routine in place, your smile becomes vulnerable to issues with tartar buildup, dental decay, and gingivitis. Remember that cleaning between your teeth requires more than a couple of horizontal slides of the floss string. To clean the area where teeth meet completely, move the string vertically, and bring it all the way to your gum line.
2. Let Go Of A Toothbrush Before The Bristles Wear Down
A soft-bristled toothbrush will be effective at removing plaque and food debris without creating excess friction that wears down enamel. However, if you keep using the same brush for too long, you will make yourself vulnerable to problems that require dental fillings or dental crowns, as those bristles will wear down and become less capable of effectively cleaning your smile. Replace a toothbrush or brush head once you have used it for three months, or once you start to observe changes in the condition of the bristles.
3. Stay Consistent With Dental Exams
While daily behaviors matter, they should be paired with preventive care if you want to stay safe against tartar formation. Tartar buildup can affect many people, as deposits can form in a short time after plaque accumulates. At a routine exam, your hygienist will take the time to thoroughly clean your teeth and remove tartar deposits, something you are not able to do for yourself. Of course, exams are also helpful because they afford your dentist opportunities to warn you about active oral health issues.
Your Prairie Village, KS Dentist’s Office Can Help You Keep Your Smile Clean
Dr. Browne is proud to help people in and around Prairie Village, KS with their oral hygiene needs, as well as with dental services that address active concerns. To learn more about our practice and how we can help you, please contact our Prairie Village, KS dental office today at 913-901-8585.
