If your dentist told you that you had a cavity at your next routine dental exam, how surprised would you be? People who assume they are doing a good job preventing oral health troubles are sometimes caught off guard by the news that they need restorative dental work. What they do not realize is that their oral care routine may be due for some improvements. Are you someone who could use some improvements to your daily oral hygiene regimen? In addition to providing cleanings and evaluations, our Seattle, WA dentist’s office can talk with you about how to make better choices and avoid problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
How Long Does It Take You To Brush Your Teeth?
If you brush your teeth at least twice a day, you can feel comfortable with your current approach to cleaning your teeth. However, if you are not spending enough time to fully clean your teeth, these sessions can be less useful than you realize. It should take you at least two minutes to brush during every session. By committing this time to cleaning your smile, you can make sure you fully reach and clean areas that might be overlooked by a rushed brushing session. To further improve your brushing routine, you should also remember to replace your brush at three month intervals, and confirm that your toothpaste has an ADA seal of approval.
Flossing Protects Areas Of Your Smile That Are Hard To Reach
When you spend at least two minutes brushing, is it possible for you to miss any parts of your smile? A good toothbrush can provide important coverage and reach, but it can be less than ideal for cleaning those spaces between teeth. When you do not floss, you can become vulnerable to decay in harder-to-access areas. If a cavity forms, it can require a dental filling – an advanced cavity can wind up requiring a dental crown! Make sure you floss every day so that spaces between teeth are free of oral bacteria.
Think Of Your Diet As Part Of Your Oral Care Routine
If you are not doing so already, you should start to think about your diet as part of your oral care routine. Cutting back on sugars, starches, and sticky foods can help you keep your teeth free of food particles that oral bacteria feed on. The choices you make concerning your diet can also affect your appearance, as products that are rich in color or dark may leave behind particles that stain your teeth.
Ballard Neighborhood Dentist Can Help You Keep Your Teeth And Gums Healthy!
At our dental office in Seattle, WA, patients who are concerned about their oral health can count on thorough reviews every time they visit us for dental care! For more information, call Ballard Neighborhood Dentist today at 206-789-2555.
