Dental hygiene is almost as natural as walking for many people, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make mistakes. In fact, many people do without even realizing it, which is why highly preventable issues such as tooth decay and gum disease are still highly common. At our El Paso, TX, dental office, one of the most important services we offer is helping you brush up on the basics of good hygiene to improve your chances of keeping your smile healthy.
Making sure your teeth are clean
The most basic goal of good hygiene is to keep your teeth clean of harmful things like oral bacteria and food particles. That means brushing your teeth at least twice and flossing at least once every day, as well as visiting your dentist at least once every six months for professional cleaning. If you skip a part of this routine even once, then the plaque on your teeth will have time to harden into tartar and increase your risks of developing a dental health issue.
Making sure your teeth are nourished
Your teeth can’t be healthy unless they’re clean, but they also require an ample supply of healthy nutrients. For example, the enamel that surrounds and protects your teeth is made up almost completely of minerals like calcium and phosphate. Without enough of these nutrients, your tooth enamel can grow weak and unable to protect your teeth.
Making sure your teeth are strong
Even with good preventive measures, you may be unconsciously doing things that threaten their health and integrity, such as constantly grinding them. Known as bruxism, the condition can lead to serious issues with your tooth enamel and structure, making them weak and more susceptible to damage. Brushing and flossing may not prevent you from grinding your teeth, but you can find an appropriate solution (such as a custom-designed oral appliance) by visiting your dentist.
Learn to get better at dental hygiene
Good hygiene may seem basic, but it still takes paying attention to the details on a consistent basis. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Sunny Smiles dental office nearest you in El Paso, TX, today! We have offices in the East, Northeast, and Westside of El Paso, and happily welcome patients from all nearby communities, including Chaparral, Canutillo, Vinton, and Sunland Park, New Mexico.