Congratulations if you are performing one of the most smile-friendly tooth care habits twice a day: tooth brushing! Without good home care it is almost impossible to maintain optimal oral health, fresh breath and smile you can be proud of. However, before you rest on your laurels, your family dentist in Ankeny, IA can offer these additional tips on actions you can take to preserve the health of your smile, and the smiles of your family members.
Flossing Daily
Brushing twice a day is essential, but toothbrush bristles can’t get around all sections of each tooth. Toothbrushes are also not the ideal tool to remove bacteria and infection that have crept (or might be creeping) under the gums and where teeth and gums meet. Dental floss is the right tool for this. Flossing daily allows you to clean the narrower edges of each tooth and floss can also slide between teeth to dislodge food and bacteria. Floss can also gently ease between each tooth and the surrounding gum tissue without the harsh abrasive action that toothbrush bristles would apply.
Attend Scheduled Checkups and Cleanings
Your brushing is vital and your eyes are good at spotting reddened gums or visible bleeding, but we have technology that can help us seek out the earliest signs of weakened enamel or gums in distress. Additionally, even the best brushers can miss spots and we can scrape off any accumulated tartar and alert you if you are missing areas when you brush and floss.
Call Us If Something Seems Off
We like to see our patients twice a year, but we can always see you more often. A small problem or question that comes up between appointments is best addressed by a phone call to our supportive staff or a visit to our office. There is no need to live with a chip or crack, a nagging pain or any type of worry between appointments. The sooner you consult with us, the sooner we can work together to diagnose the problem and find a solution.
We Love It When Our Patients Ask “What Else Can I Do?”
You can be an active partner in your dental health. We hope you are already committed to brushing and flossing. Visit us for more ideas, and regular dental checkups in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.
