If you are like many Americans, you may think brushing your teeth is enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Although your toothbrush is your first line of defense against preventable issues, like tooth decay and gum disease, it is only a fraction of the care your mouth needs to stay healthy. The secret to a flourishing smile relies on more than just your toothbrush. You also need to floss and visit your dentist in Green Lake.
Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Your teeth are designed to serve you for a lifetime if you care for them properly over the years. To ensure your smile lasts, there are 3 oral hygiene habits you need to follow.
- Brush Twice a Day
The American Dental Association recommends you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each session. Unfortunately, only 56% of women and 49% of men follow this advice. Besides not brushing enough, many people are not doing it for as long as they should. The average American only brushes for 45 to 70 seconds per day.
If you do not brush your teeth according to the American Dental Association’s guidelines, you are leaving harmful food particles and plaque on your teeth, which significantly increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. It is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your teeth and your tongue for at least 2 minutes twice a day.
- Floss Daily
There are areas in your mouth your toothbrush cannot clean, like in between your teeth. The only way to clean the spaces is with dental floss. It is best to floss every night before going to bed. If you skip this habit, it is essentially like washing only 65% of your body.
Flossing significantly decreases your risk of gum disease, which currently affects at least 50% of adults in the U.S. It is best to use a high-quality dental floss to clean in between each tooth and around the gum line every night before you go to bed.
- Visit Your Dentist
Even with the best home oral hygiene habits, you still need to visit your family dentist in Green Lake twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Besides a cleaning, they also perform a comprehensive examination, which includes x-rays. The images allow your dentist to monitor your oral health while detecting issues that may be brewing beneath the surface, like an infection. With early intervention, you keep your teeth and gums healthy to ensure your smile lasts for several years.
Invest in a Healthy Smile
You can reach and maintain your oral health goals by practicing the proper hygiene habits at home and visiting your dentist regularly. It is never too late to invest in a healthy smile.
About Oak Tree Dental Care
Oak Tree Dental Care is committed to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile. With a focus on prevention, we strive to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you need a cleaning and checkup, do not wait. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.