3 Practices That Help You Maintain Good Dental Hygiene

The value of your regular dental exams is difficult to overstate, as they protect you against tartar buildup, identify and treat early signs of dental trouble that call for restorative treatment, and even address nighttime issues like bruxism and sleep apnea. With that said, remember that consistent care at the dentist’s office does not replace the need for you to maintain a good dental hygiene routine! Each day, you should take care of your smile by making good choices regarding what you eat and drink, and by thoroughly cleaning your teeth. If you feel that your routine could be improved upon, your Ankeny, IA dentist can answer questions that you might have during your next dental appointment.

1. Take The Time To Floss On A Daily Basis

You should make flossing part of your daily routine in order to protect yourself against both cavities and gum disease. The areas where our teeth meet are difficult to clean properly when we brush, though they leave room for food debris and harmful microbes to gather. If you want to consistently remove those agents from these spaces, flossing on a daily basis will be important. Every time you perform this task, make sure that you move the string in a vertical motion to completely remove unwelcome agents that have gathered on your gum line.

2. Stay Consistent With Regular Dental Exams

When you thoroughly clean your teeth each day, you can stop the buildup of tartar from affecting the way you look. However, many people who take smart care of their smile can still have some issues with tartar accumulation, and because this substance cannot be removed with a toothbrush or floss, it is important that they have regular access to professional services. Your hygienist will be able to remove tartar that has formed, which stops this substance from causing trouble that leads to the need for restorative dentistry. Your visits also lead to the early detection and treatment of problems with gingivitis and dental decay, issues that worsen until they are treated.

3. Drink Water With Meals To Help Wash Away Food Debris

Clearing food debris away from your teeth when you eat will deprive oral bacteria of potential food sources, which will help you avoid problems that cause cavities. The choice to drink water every time you eat will help you wash away particles of food that might be left behind at a meal, and it will help you stay hydrated, which makes it easier for your body to produce saliva and fend off cavity issues.

Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Maintaining Good Dental Hygiene

At our dentist’s office in Ankeny, IA, patients can count on good guidance and important in-office services to protect them against oral health issues. To find out more, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.