Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Keeping your oral health in good shape is important for several reasons. Your oral health can affect your overall health and quality of life. It’s important to be informed about the state of your dental health to make sure there are no underlying issues that could lead to serious problems down the line. By practicing the best oral hygiene routine you can and knowing how to take care of your teeth, you’ll be able to protect them from threats and make them stronger.
Practicing the following five practices on a regular basis to keep your oral hygiene high and reduce your risk of cavities.
Brush at least twice a day
The first step to good oral hygiene is making sure you brush your teeth multiple times each day–at least twice daily, per the recommendations of the American Dental Association. Making sure you brush your entire mouth, including your tongue and gums, will help remove potentially harmful bacteria, food particles, and other debris that serve as the building blocks of tooth decay.
Use mouthwash and floss
Flossing and an oral rinse also are the other key components of a home regimen of dental care. The ADA advises daily flossing, as this is the only way to clean the crevices between teeth and the other hard-to-reach spaces and corners in your mouth that are inaccessible with a toothbrush. An antibacterial oral rinse also is a recommended addition to your oral hygiene routine.
Use a toothpaste and/or mouthwash that includes fluoride
Fluoride is your best friend when it comes to strengthening your enamel. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel, making it a more formidable barrier against the attacks from bacteria. The ADA recommends everyone use both a toothpaste or mouthwash that contain fluoride. If you already notice enamel erosion on your teeth, you can receive separate fluoride treatments from your Greeneville dentist.
Avoid harmful food or drinks
A diet consisting primarily of high-sugar food and drinks greatly can increase your risk of tooth decay. Highly acidic foods and drinks also can deteriorate your enamel: tomato-based products or citrus, for example. Soft drinks have the double-whammy of both high sugar and high acid, and can devastate your teeth.
Visit your dentist on a regular basis
Last, but certainly not least, keeping up with regular visits to your family dentist in Erwin is a vital part of maintaining your oral health and strength. Most experts recommend you visit your dentist every six months for a check-up that includes an examination and a professional dental cleaning, which removes all the tartar and plaque from your teeth.
Dental Care in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin in Tennessee
Is it time for you to visit the dentist for your biannual checkup? Maybe you’ve let your regular schedule of dental appointments lapse. Now’s a great time to get back on track. At Tusculum Dental Care, our team is committed to helping you be in the best oral health possible. Visit us online or give us a call at (423) 639-7575 to schedule an appointment today.