At Reason To Smile, we want to make sure our patients have the necessary knowledge for maintaining a clean smile. While simply brushing twice a day helps reduce the risk of cavities, plaque buildup, and tooth decay, there is plenty more to keep in mind when it comes to your daily dental care routine.
Don’t Forget to Floss
Though brushing does indeed keep your teeth clean of plaque as well as fight off cavities, patients must remember to floss daily to promote a clean mouth and healthy teeth. Brushing really only cleans the surface of our teeth. A brush cannot reach in between the gaps of our teeth, leaving bacteria and plaque behind to cause cavities.
Flossing is essential in removing debris and bacteria from the tights spaces in between our teeth. Not only is flossing critical in keeping clean teeth, it also promotes the health of our gums and further protects us from periodontal disease. It’s never too late to start flossing either. Many patients avoid flossing in fear of bleeding gums, but bleeding gums can actually be a result from not flossing, or in other words—unhealthy gums.
Flossing may be a difficult and annoying task at times, but it’s important in thoroughly cleaning your teeth and protecting your gums.
Things to Avoid
Sugar is always something to avoid in proper caring for your teeth. Sugar causes cavities, and if not treated, these cavities can lead to worse dental problems such as tooth decay and even tooth loss.
Though sugar does pose a number of threats to your teeth, acids from coffee, soda, wine, and a variety of fruit juices also contribute to tooth decay. The acidic content in soda and other drinks wear down the enamel on our teeth that fights against cavities. As enamel is worn down, our teeth become more vulnerable to cavities as well as cracking.
In addition to sugary foods and acidic beverages, sticky foods are also harmful to our teeth. Foods like dried fruit remain on our teeth longer, as they are sticky, which leaves harmful bacteria on our teeth for extended periods of time.
Let Us Help
Aside from maintaining a thorough daily routine, including brushing and flossing, regular dental visits are critical in keeping your teeth healthy and cavity free. Come into our offices at least twice a year for professional teeth cleanings. We not only give your teeth a fantastic clean but we can check for existing cavities and signs of tooth decay while we’re at it. Contact us for an appointment today!
