Is your current dental routine promoting a healthy smile?
Caring for your smile shouldn’t be difficult and yet we see so many people dealing with cavities and gum disease. If you are wondering what you can do to keep these issues from happening to you, then you’re in luck; along with the general and preventive dentistry we offer our patients, our Yakima, WA, dentist Dr. Karen Tritinger-Young also wants you to have the helpful tips you need to reevaluate and improve your current dental routine.
Brushing is Critical
Yes, we know that everyone understands that brushing is necessary for healthy teeth and gums; however, you might be surprised to know that your brushing habits just aren’t up to snuff.
Do you fall asleep before you get a chance to brush your teeth? Do you often forget to brush your teeth in the mornings before hopping in the car to work? Do you rush through your brushing routine? If you said “yes” then it’s time to reevaluate your brushing habits. Here is some advice for you:
- Make sure you brush at least twice a daily, ideally in the morning and again at night before bedtime
- Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth (set a timer, if necessary)
- Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities
- Replace your toothbrush head every three to four months, or once the bristles start to fray
Don’t Forget to Floss
While most people make a habit of brushing their teeth they don’t often floss as often as they should, or at all! It’s important to floss at least once a day to remove plaque from between teeth. Your toothbrush won’t be able to get into those tight spaces between teeth but floss can. If you only brush your teeth you won’t get your teeth and gums as clean as they should be. To prevent cavities from forming between teeth you need to floss.
Avoid Sugar
We know this is easier said than done and while our Downingtown, PA, dentist won’t say that a sweet treat now and again will cause irreparable damage to your teeth, if you are someone who consumes a lot of soda (even diet soda), fruit juices, desserts, and other sugary treats then you may just find yourself dealing with some serious decay down the road.
Visit Your Dentist
When was the last time you turned to your general dentist here in Yakima, WA? If it’s been more than six months since your last preventive dentistry checkup and cleaning, then it’s been too long. These visits are critical, as they allow us to monitor the health and development of your smile. Not only can we prevent decay, gum disease, and injuries from occurring in the first place, but we can also treat these issues right away before they cause more serious damage to your smile.
Whether you need to schedule your next six-month cleaning or you have questions about how to care for your smile, our Yakima, WA, general dentistry team is here for you. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tritinger-Young, call Lakeside Dentistry at (509) 494-0121.