Taking care of you and your family’s dental health consists of much more than just brushing your teeth every so often. In fact, a strong preventive routine is essential for people looking to maintain healthy smiles for life. Unfortunately, not everybody understands the extent of care that should go into your individual routine. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX dentist explains the importance of routine dental prevention and what steps you should be taking to properly prioritize your smile’s health.
A Need for Brushing and Flossing
Whether you are aware of it or not, your smile is constantly under attack from oral health threats such as harmful bacteria. To manage this, preventive treatment can be implemented. Though it is impossible to completely rid the mouth of all bacteria, addressing buildup as it occurs can significantly help reduce your chances of developing an infection or other complication. When practicing dental prevention at home, the best way to accomplish this is through regular brushing and flossing.
Your dentist typically recommends brushing in a circular motion at least two to three times daily to help remove plaque and other buildup on and around your teeth. It is also important to floss – ideally after every meal, but at least once a day. This helps remove food particles and other debris that may have become lodged between teeth. For more information about your at-home routine, give our team a call.
Routine In-Office Appointments
Though you may feel your at-home routine is superb, it is important to recognize that it is not enough to simply brush and floss. In fact, an effective preventive routine requires maintenance over time, and routine checkups are especially helpful in helping you stay on-top of your health. Typically, your dentist recommends attending an in-office visit at least twice a year, or once every six months. During this visit, we will take your x-rays, provide a gentle cleaning to remove the debris that ordinary brushing and flossing alone could not reach, and examine your oral cavity for any signs of damage, infection, or other concern.
Other Treatment to Help
Several people can benefit from the help of fluoride treatment, as it strengthens the natural enamel surrounding your teeth. It is a naturally-occurring mineral that is applied as a paste to the surfaces of your teeth. Following fluoride placement, it is important you do not eat or drink anything for about an hour to allow the fluoride to settle and take effect.
Learn More Today
Your preventive dental routine is essential for a lifelong healthy smile, and our team is ready to help you update yours. To schedule your family’s next appointment, contact Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX at (915) 759-7000 or (915) 849-9000 today.