The Importance of Routine Dental Hygiene

How often do you think about the health of your teeth and gums? Probably not often. After all, as long as we brush and floss we often don’t put much stock into whether or not the techniques and practices we are undertaking are actually enough to keep our smiles healthy. Along with visiting your Fayetteville, GA, dentist Dr. Jeffery Kendrick every six months for dental cleanings, here’s what good at-home oral hygiene entails:

Brushing

We all know the hallmark of a good smile involves brushing your teeth, but how often do you brush your teeth? Unfortunately, a Delta Dental survey found that as many as 31 percent of Americans didn’t brush their teeth twice a day. By not brushing twice a day you allow plaque to keep building up, which can increase your risk for cavities and gum disease.

Flossing

You wouldn’t clean the inside of your coffee mug but not clean the outside, would you? Of course not! So why would you brush without flossing? After all, flossing is the only way to truly clean between teeth and along the gum line to remove food particles and plaque. All you have to do is floss once a day to reap the health benefits of flossing.

Swap Out Your Toothbrush

Nothing lasts forever, and that includes your toothbrush head. You’ve may have a toothbrush head that has seen better days if the bristles are splayed out and worn. When bristles become worn they put more wear and tear on teeth. A good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush head every 3-4 months.

Eat for Your Smile

Sugar can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums because sugar feeds the bacteria in plaque. That bacteria then turns sugar into acid, which damages healthy tooth enamel. Avoid or, at the very least, limit sugars and starches including baked goods, fast food, and processed foods. A diet that is rich in whole grains, healthy fats, oils, seeds, lean protein, and vegetables is a great way to keep teeth and gums healthy.

Why Oral Hygiene is Important

Not only is a healthy smile important for first impressions and our appearance, but we also need our teeth and gums to communicate and consume nutrients. Poor oral hygiene often equates to poor overall health. The goal of your Fayetteville, GA, dentist is to make sure that you are practicing good oral care every day to protect your health for the future.

Is it time to schedule your next dental cleaning with your Fayetteville, GA, family dentist? Do you have questions about the dental services we offer? If so, call Dr. Kendrick of Heritage Dental Associates today at (770) 460-9795 to learn more.