Even if you have excellent oral hygiene, it’s still important to visit your dentist every six months and stay aware of your oral health. Keeping regular appointments with your dentist will allow them to check on your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth and flag any problems early on, preserving your oral and overall health.
But, just visiting your dentist twice a year isn’t enough to keep your mouth healthy. Your home dental hygiene routine is the single most important defense of your oral health. Dr. Nicholas F. Gardner, a Gouverneur, NY dentist, encourages patients of all ages to maintain regular dental visits and excellent at-home oral hygiene.
The Best At-Home Regimen For Healthy Teeth Includes:
Brush your teeth twice a day
Brush your teeth at least twice daily with an American Dental Association (ADA)-approved toothpaste and toothbrush. Having them be toothpaste ADA approved is important so that you don’t do any damage to your teeth. Brushing your teeth prevents buildup of plaque and the oral bacteria that live in it and can eat away at your tooth enamel.
Floss every day
Flossing allows you to remove plaque from between teeth and beneath the gum line that your toothbrush cannot reach. This actually breaks up bacterial colonies, preventing them from building up and damaging your tooth enamel.
Rinse After Eating
Rinsing is also an important part of oral health. Rinsing your mouth out with water between meals can help protect your teeth against the buildup of plaque. Adding use of mouthwash to your daily routine will help protect against gum disease by killing bacteria and reducing the chance of developing gingivitis.
When should I begin to visit Dr. Gardner?
Most dentists, including Dr. Gardner, recommend children first visit the dentist when they grow their first tooth or around their first birthday, whichever comes first. This acclimates them to the dentist’s office with an age-appropriate cleaning. Dr. Gardner and his staff will give you tips to care for your child’s developing teeth and help them feel comfortable with dental care.
Visiting the dentist with your child allows parents and caregivers to demonstrate the importance of healthy habits and also the opportunity to ask questions that can help prevent issues before they develop . Children seeing the dentist with a parent who is also seeing the dentist for dental care can help reduce anxiety and establish a solid foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Gardner offers comprehensive dental care to people of all ages. Contact our Gouverneur, NY dental office online or by phone at (315) 203-1772 today.