Did you know that the top things you can do to protect your oral health are really quite simple? When it comes to maintaining and preventing common dental conditions such as decay, gum disease, and damaged teeth you can control many of the necessary steps to keep your teeth healthy and attractive.
Number One
Brush and floss your teeth. You’ve heard this one before. Brush at least twice daily and floss your teeth at least once daily, but are you doing it correctly? When you brush, are you using the tips of your bristles instead of applying excessive pressure? Do you spend a full two minutes brushing? If you are like most people, the answer is no. Brushing only works if you do it properly.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue. Because of the texture of your tongue, it is a harbor for bacteria. Brushing your tongue can help to keep your breath fresh, as well.
When you floss, are you taking the time to run the floss up and down both sides of each of your teeth? Even the ones in the back? If you are simply popping the floss up and down without regard for removing the plaque from your teeth, it will stay there and harden to become tartar, which will need to be removed by a professional.
Number Two
Keep your regular dental appointments. Every six months is really a minimum for patients who are dentally healthy and have little dentistry. Professional cleanings will remove tartar and bacteria from the places that your toothbrush and floss cannot reach. Additionally, when you have a dental exam, it allows Dr. Scott Jordan to check your teeth and gums for signs of decay and infection. When we treat these conditions early, we have the best chance of restoring your health.
Once yearly (or more frequently if a condition arises), we will take diagnostic images in order to see what is undetectable with the naked eye alone. X-rays can show us internal decay, bone loss, and even signs of infection. Having them taken on a regular schedule allows us to monitor your health over time.
Number Three
If Dr. Scott Jordan recommends a nightguard – wear it! A nightguard can keep you from damaging your teeth from clenching and grinding while you sleep. When you grind your teeth, a condition called bruxism, you might chip, crack, or even split your teeth, causing a serious dental emergency and compromising the beauty of your smile.
By following these simple steps, you can avoid many problems and potential emergencies.
For more information on how to maintain your oral health, contact our Encinitas, CA dental office today!