Step One: Brush
Focus on brushing along the gum line more so than the smooth shiny portion of your teeth. By angling the toothbrush 45 degrees and brushing the actual gums, you are removing the plaque and food that are responsible for gum disease and cavities.
Brush the chewing surfaces of all teeth but especially the back teeth. Your back teeth consist of molars and premolars are the most prone to developing cavities due to the presence of grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces which can catch food and bacteria.
Step Two: Floss
Brushing your teeth rarely accomplishes a complete cleaning of the teeth. Flossing ensures you remove ALL food and plaque on your teeth in conjunction with brushing.
TO ANYONE WHO IS NOT A CONSISTENT FLOSSER:
BABY STEPS! You are trying to form a habit to begin flossing so take your time and start flossing once a week, then add a day or two at a time once you become consistent.
Step Three: Regular dental cleanings
Having dental cleanings every 6 months is the universal recommendation for dental patients, but it does not fit everyone's dental health situation. Some patients require more frequent recalls, based off of a professional dental recommendations for cleaning recalls it is important to have a consistent recall schedule regardless of the recommendation.
Dental cleanings are essential in removing the tartar build up which naturally forms on a patient's teeth regardless of brushing and flossing. Tartar is unable to be brushed and flossed away and is almost always unable to be fully prevented from developing on a patient's teeth.
If left alone, then tartar build up has the potential to accumulate and cause dental problems such as sensitive teeth, bad breath and gum disease.
Cavities are preventable! Take these steps to have the upper hand against dental diseases!
In order to schedule a cleaning or to learn more, contact our office today!