Whether you have a history of trouble with tooth decay or want to keep your cavity-free streak alive, it can be a good idea to take a look at your smile care routine. The practices we put in place to manage our teeth and gums can become so familiar that we stop giving them our full attention. Unfortunately, that can lead to seemingly small mistakes that lead to bigger problems in the future. One thing to remember is that your regular dental exams are important for your overall commitment to smile care. Even if you feel confident that nothing is wrong, a checkup provides valuable feedback, and it supports you by removing plaque and tartar present on your smile during your routine cleaning. Our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office is ready to help you in times when you need to address an active problem as well as when you want to make sure your teeth will remain in good condition!
1. Keep Flossing In Your Daily Routine
You can protect your teeth by brushing, and you can receive valuable care during a routine dental cleaning. If you want to make sure those spaces between your teeth are receiving the kind of support that keeps you safe from problems, remember that flossing should also be included in your line of defense against plaque, tartar, and food debris. When you floss, you remove the bacteria and food debris that become trapped in the spaces where teeth meet. Doing this at least once per day will lower your tartar buildup risk, and it can reduce your chances of having problems that require in-office restorative dental care.
2. Attend Regular Dental Exams (Even When Your Smile Seems Healthy)
It can be easy to see the value in a dental appointment when you have concerns about the look of your smile, or when something feels sore or sensitive. However, it may feel like less of a priority when your smile seems to be in good health. Keeping up with regular dental exams even at these times will help you remain healthy. You can also receive restorative dental work in time to prevent complications when a problem you have not yet detected is resolved.
3. Stay Hydrated With Water
There are many reasons to stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. You may not realize it, but doing so can help your smile by washing away food debris, and by helping you avoid dry mouth, which can reduce your natural resistance to oral health issues. Another benefit is that water is a sugar-free and non-acidic alternative to drinking juices and soft drinks!
Our St. Louis, MO Dentist Knows About Preventing Issues With Your Smile!
Magnolia Family Dental is ready to help everyone in your household prevent oral health problems! We can provide important support by providing your regular checkups and cleanings, by offering guidance on at-home care, and by responding to problems whenever we identify them. If you would like to learn more about how we can support you, call Magnolia Family Dental in St. Louis, MO at 314-822-4521.
