Establishing a good oral hygiene routine is important. Of course, once you have done this, you need to make sure that you stick to the habits you trust to protect your teeth against dental decay! If you only practice your routine “most” of the time, you can leave more time for tartar to accumulate, and that can result in problems with cavities as well as gum disease. You also need to be consistent with your diet, as a period where your eating and drinking habits worsen can undermine your commitment to preventive dental care. At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, we can help you identify shortcomings in your daily routine during your next scheduled dental exam. We can do this while also providing the kind of services that help you avoid long-term problems with your well-being.
Inconsistency Can Lead To Problems With Tartar Buildup
Tartar formation can take less time to happen than you realize. Essentially, tartar deposits form when plaque buildup is not removed in time to stop deposits from hardening. If that hardening does occur, you are left with a harmful substance on your teeth that you cannot remove by brushing and flossing. Those who have tartar deposits can be more likely to experience problems with tooth decay as well as gum disease, meaning they are more likely to require restorative dental work!
What Your Daily Routine Should Include
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day on a daily basis. If you want to make sure you are spending enough time on this practice, time yourself – a good brushing session should take at least two minutes to complete. In this time, work to clean every part of your smile, and be sure you do not overlook those spaces that are more difficult to access. To properly clean the spaces where your teeth meet, floss at least once per day. While these services help you fight the buildup of plaque and food debris, remember that you need to combine good hygiene with a good diet in order to limit the amount of erosion that affects your enamel.
Remember To Stay Consistent With Dental Exams, Too
If you want to make sure your smile remains healthy, do more than just take care of your teeth on a daily basis. By consistently visiting your dentist’s office for routine cleanings and exams, you avoid problems with tartar buildup you may have missed, and receive early warnings about problems that have started to develop. This means more than just learning about the existence of dental decay. We can also identify problems with bruxism and sleep apnea, two nighttime issues that can negatively affect your well-being.
Schedule Your Dental Appointments At Our Ankeny, IA Dentist’s Office!
Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is proud to help patients of all ages protect their teeth from harmful cavities and issues with gum disease. If you would like to find out more, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
