A healthy smile depends on good oral hygiene routine and regular dental care. In between visits to Dr. Joshua Stevens, your dentist at Franklin Dental in Franklin IN, you can protect your smile by making a few tweaks to your oral care routine.
Spending more time brushing can help you avoid cavities and gum disease
If you're like most people, you've probably never timed how long it takes to brush your teeth. Unfortunately, if you only spend seconds brushing, plaque will remain on your teeth and gums. Colorless plaque contains bacteria and can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Removing plaque also prevents it from turning into tartar, a hard deposit that irritates the gums.
So how long you should you brush? The American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes twice a day. The technique is also important. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth, and use short, gentle strokes to dislodge sticky plaque. If you brush too vigorously, you may damage your tooth enamel or cause your gums to recede. Talk to the Dentist Franklin IN team if you need more help.
Flossing is a must every day
Even the best brushers can be a little lax about flossing. If flossing isn't a daily part of your oral hygiene routine, plaque will remain between your teeth. Eventually, you may develop cavities or may notice tartar at the base of your teeth if you don't floss.
Floss string and tape aren't the only options. Small brushes and picks make it easier to reach the teeth at the back of your mouth. Water-powered flossers offer a particularly convenient option and are also a good choice for young children or people who have issues with manual dexterity.
Twice-yearly dental visits with your dentist Franklin IN will help you maintain good oral health
Most problems are easier to treat when they're minor, including dental issues. When you visit the Franklin dental office every six months, your dentist can spot early signs of gum disease, small cavities, cracks in teeth, loose fillings, denture fit issues, and other problems.
Your visit will also include a dental cleaning. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar, reducing your cavity and gum disease risk.
Keep your smile healthy with checkups and dental treatments! Call your Franklin IN dentist, Dr. Joshua Stevens of Franklin Dental, at (317) 868-2672 to schedule an appointment.