There are several actions you should take each day to protect yourself from smile troubles. Hopefully, you are brushing your teeth at least two times a day to fight the accumulation of oral bacteria. You should also do your part to avoid cavities by limiting your consumption of products that are high in sugar. These measures are important, but one practice in particular helps you direct attention to those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth. By flossing, you can ensure that your smile is completely protected against threats that might require restorative dental work. In addition to helping you manage your oral health during routine dental checkups, our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office can offer encouragement and tips to help you recognize the importance of flossing and other actions.
Spaces Between Teeth Are Difficult To Clean If You Only Brush
If you are only brushing on a consistent basis, you may make yourself vulnerable to problems with those spaces between your teeth. By leaving them ignored, you can wind up with problems like tooth decay and gum disease, despite your “thorough” efforts to protect yourself. The bristles of your brush can effectively clean most areas, but they are not ideal for removing bacteria and food debris from between teeth. Unfortunately, those spaces – like every other part of your smile – are susceptible to problems if they do not receive attention.
Keep Up With A Good Flossing Routine
One thing to remember is that a good flossing routine is one that takes place every day, not just when you feel something lodged between teeth. When you clean your smile, be sure to move the floss string in a vertical motion. By doing so, and reaching all the way to the base of your teeth, you can keep yourself protected against periodontal disease.
Other Important Habits That Help You Maintain A Healthy Smile
An effective oral care routine is one that is thorough enough to fully protect you against the different threats your smile faces. If you want to avoid cavities that require dental fillings or dental crowns, you should be brushing at least twice a day, and for at least two minutes each session. It is also important to manage your diet to protect your teeth. Too much sugar can be a problem, as can too many acidic products that can weaken your enamel. Of course, it is also important to remember that good habits at home should be accompanied by regular dental checkups. Letting your teeth go unchecked by your dentist can lead to problems forming and worsening, ultimately leading to more involved restorative dental work when you finally make an appointment.
Your Ankeny, IA Dentist Can Help You Stay On Top Of Your Oral Health Needs
At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, individuals who want to take good care of their teeth can talk with us about the right habits to keep their teeth safe. To learn more, call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
