When you take the time to focus on your health each day, you enjoy a higher quality of life by reducing your chances for disease as well as stress. This includes practicing daily habits that help maintain your oral hygiene. When you clean your teeth and gums each morning, you enjoy fresher breath while preventing the accumulation of plaque that can lead to decay and discoloration. The choices you make at the dinner table contribute to your oral health as well. By combining your efforts at home with regular trips to your dentist, you can maximize the health of your smile to maintain its beauty across a lifetime. At your semiannual checkups, you receive cleanings that go beyond the scope of what you perform on your own. This regular meeting provides an opportunity for your dentist to examine your mouth and diagnose any potential problems before they continue to grow.
At your Prarie Village, KS dental practice, we provide oral support by counseling patients on their at-home habits at each checkup. We are pleased to discuss your brushing and flossing techniques and can identify problem areas that may need a little more attention in your smile. Remember that the cleaning you do at home is your primary guard against decay in between each dental visit!
How Tooth Decay Develops On The Surface Of Your Smile
Brushing and flossing your teeth each morning and evening is necessary to remove the accumulation of plaque that otherwise threatens your oral health. Left unremoved, this sticky film forms from the combination of oral bacteria and remnants of the meals and snacks you enjoy each day. As your bacteria feed off debris, they produce an acidic byproduct that can weaken enamel and eventually turn into cavities. This same bacterial buildup can infect your gums as well, causing inflammation, bleeding, and erosion of your connective tissue.
Brush Your Teeth Each Day
To keep up with your brushing habit daily, select a brush that will not harm your gums. Make sure to select a toothpaste with fluoride protection to enhance the mineralization of your enamel. By taking two minutes, at least twice per day, to brush your teeth, you can enjoy the benefits of a clean smile!
Flossing Is Necessary
While some may stop after brushing, you must floss to reach areas between your teeth that a brush cannot. By pulling the string of your floss against the side of each tooth, go all the way down to the gum line. Maintaining a gentle touch can help prevent bleeding if you are beginning the habit after having not flossed in a while.
Talk To Your Prairie Village, KS Dentist About Scheduling A Dental Checkup!
By staying on top of your daily oral hygiene, you can reduce the need for invasive dental procedures to repair damaged teeth. For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact your Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office at 913-901-8585.
