Curious about what steps you can take to maintain a healthy smile? Caring for your smile is often as simple as routine maintenance and regular visits to the office for preventive treatments. By caring for your smile you can avoid serious oral health problems, including tooth decay and gum disease.
Ankeny, IA Healthy Smile Quiz
- True or False: A checkup can identify problems in the early stages.
- True or False: A dental cleaning can help prevent gum disease.
- True or False: Brushing and flossing from home helps keep your smile bright.
- True or False: Your diet can affect your oral health.
Answer Key
- True. Often, a dentist can find the earliest warning signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or oral cancer before these issues lead to uncomfortable symptoms. Uncovering problems in the early stages can increase the chances of a full recovery and help avoid the need for invasive or major treatment options. You should have a checkup once every six months so the dentist can examine your smile.
- True. Over time, bacteria can coat our teeth in plaque. This buildup can irritate the gums and lead to the inflammation that causes gum disease. A cleaning allows our team to completely remove plaque from the teeth, which reduces the risk of periodontal disease. Like a checkup, you should have your teeth cleaned at least twice a year.
- True. Along with checkups and cleanings, a healthy smile requires routine home care. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. Doing so helps cleanse your mouth of stray food particles and harmful bacteria.
- True. The foods and drinks you consume can have a major affect on your smile. Foods and drinks high in sugar and other starches can lead to tooth decay and an increased risk of gum disease. By adding nutrition to your diet, drinking more water, and substituting sugary snacks with fresh fruit and vegetables, you can maintain a healthy smile.
ABOUT YOUR ANKENY DENTIST:
Since 2006, Dr. Amanda Foust has proudly treated families in Ankeny, Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, schedule an appointment with your Ankeny, IA dentist today. You can reach Dental Impressions by calling (515) 965-0230.
