Should I Change My Daily Oral Hygiene Routine?

Is it time for you to reevaluate your approach to daily oral health care? Some people wait until they have problems that call for restorative dental work to questions how they care for their teeth and gums. While this is certainly a good time to look for ways to change up your hygiene routine, a review of your practices can be beneficial even when you have not had recent trouble. After all, by making changes before there are issues, you can avoid future cavities and problems with gingivitis! If you have questions about your habits, your Ankeny, IA dentist can offer guidance during your next routine dental exam.

Have You Had Any Recent Issues With Tooth Decay Or Gum Disease?

If you have recently gone to your dentist for help with a cavity, or because you had concerns about gum disease, it is fair to ask how you can improve your smile care routine. With better habits in place, you can find it easier to keep your teeth free from problems with tartar and plaque buildup, which raise your risk for trouble over time. Even if you have not needed restorative dental work or a periodontal cleaning, you should consider a change in your routine if your hygienist is finding accumulated tartar on your teeth at your cleanings.

Changing Your Approach To Brushing And Flossing

The care you put into brushing and flossing your teeth obviously matters to your oral health. If you fail to floss on a daily basis, or if you are not brushing thoroughly at least twice a day, you can be vulnerable to the buildup of tartar, which can lead to problems that require dental fillings or dental crowns. Remember that when you clean your teeth, you also fight the bacteria that can cause gingivitis. This is why it is important to clean thoroughly at your gum line. While brushing and flossing are important, remember that you can also impact your oral health in positive or negative ways with your diet choices. Cutting back on sugar, drinking more water, and limiting your consumption of acidic problems is also helpful.

Remember That Consistent Dental Visits Are Also Important To Your Oral Health

Even with good oral hygiene habits in place, you should see your dentist for regular checkups. At these appointments, you receive important feedback about the state of your smile. In addition to warning patients about the early signs of oral health trouble, your dentist can discuss other problems that affect your well-being, like recurring nighttime teeth grinding.

Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist’s Office For Tips On Maintaining Better Oral Hygiene

Our Ankeny, IA dental practice is here to help you maintain a lovely and healthy smile! To make sure you are protected, we can offer more than just in-office support. We can also take time to help you look for ways to improve your oral hygiene routine at home and better prevent problems. To find out more, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.