Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Did you ever wish there was a guide somewhere from dentists that had helpful hints and tips about taking care of your teeth? At Tusculum Dental Care, we have been helping residents of the Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, TN, areas improve their oral health since 1998. Our dentists, Dr. Nathaniel Renner and Dr. Craig Shepherd would like to pass along these five tips that they feel everyone should follow.
Don’t Skip Dental Cleanings
You may have a good oral hygiene routine at home that promotes having a healthy mouth. However, regular dental cleanings are essential to your oral health. Plaque and tartar will build up on your teeth no matter how thoroughly you brush and floss. Once tartar forms, you can’t remove it on your own. This is why the American Dental Association recommends that you have a professional dental cleaning every six months.
Listen To Your Teeth
If you had a stomachache and it returned regularly, you wouldn’t ignore that kind of reoccurring issue. People do, on the other hand, occasionally ignore chronic tooth pain. Don’t rely on medications even if they’re designed for dental issues. Don’t ignore your teeth because this type of chronic pain is sending you a message. Tooth pain may be a sign you’re using toothpaste that doesn’t actually meet your needs, or that you’re over-brushing. It also could be a sign of a cavity forming—or something more serious such as gum disease or an infection.
Don’t Forget Your Gums
When you brush and floss your teeth, do you remember to brush your tongue? You probably do because you can taste when your tongue isn’t clean. You should be caring for your gums the same way. Your gums act as a defensive wall for the rest of your body. Healthy gums prevent bacteria from entering your bloodstream and impacting your overall health. Neglecting your gums can increase your risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.
After Every Meal
If we had our way, everyone would brush their teeth after every meal. Tusculum Dental Care understands that brushing that often isn’t always an option. That’s why we recommend rinsing. You’re on the go. There are a lot of activities for you to contend with: kids, school, a job, the gym, errands, and managing a social life. Rinsing away excess food and bacteria doesn’t fully replace a thorough brushing, but it does help. If you’re in a pinch and need to freshen your breath, chew sugar-free gum that contains Xylitol, which helps kill the bacteria that cause cavities. Then your mouth will be healthier and smell minty fresh after every meal.
No Matter What Age
You probably stay on top of your children’s oral care. That shouldn’t change just because you’re an adult. From one year old until your golden years, the importance of oral maintenance never ends. Routine checkups, screenings, and cleanings are never something you can afford to shirk. That’s why Tusculum Dental Care is here to serve patients of every age.
Comprehensive Dentistry in Greeneville
Tusculum Dental Care wants to help you. We provide specialized oral hygiene tips based on your needs. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call our office today at (423) 639-7575. We welcome new patients to our Greeneville dental office in Erwin, Tennessee.