Following These Tips Can Help You Avoid Cavity Troubles

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Proper smile care can protect you from issues with tooth decay that require a trip to the dentist’s office. While your Sheridan, WY dentist’s office is certainly prepared to restore a tooth affected by decay, we encourage our patients to prioritize prevention. Regular dental exams are just one part of a larger plan to protect your smile. Remember to take care at home by practicing good oral hygiene, and making smart choices with your diet. If you find yourself wavering on your commitment to protecting your smile, it may help to think about just how damaging a cavity can be. Decay that goes untreated may leave you with a painful tooth infection, one that puts you at risk for tooth loss and other health issues.

It May Be Time To Change Your Approach To Brushing

After receiving a dental filling or dental crown, a person can develop understandable doubts about their oral care routine. Even if you have kept your smile safe, it can be a good idea to evaluate your efforts to see if there is room for improvement. These measures can make your brushing routine more effective:

  • Swap out a toothbrush after three months of use, or when the bristles start to appear worn down
  • Confirm that your toothpaste is ADA approved, and that it contains fluoride
  • Spend at least two minutes brushing, with the goal of cleaning every part of every tooth
  • Be cautious about how much force you use – aggressive brushing can lead to enamel erosion
  • Make sure you always brush at least two times a day

Flossing Should Be Part Of Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

With a better brushing routine, you can have an easier time caring for your smile. However, you should not consider brushing to be your only line of defense against cavities and gum disease! Protect the spaces between your teeth by flossing each day. Doing so takes care of areas that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush alone. If you perform this task consistently and effectively, you can stay safe against tooth decay as well as gum disease.

Be Careful About What You Eat And Drink

A good oral hygiene routine can be undermined by poor eating habits. Generally speaking, you may expose yourself to more sugar than you realize if you are not paying attention to what you eat, and what you drink. Some beneficial changes you can make include packing your own snacks, choosing healthy, low-sugar treats, and drinking water instead of flavored beverages as often as possible.

Our Sheridan, WY Dentist’s Office Helps Patients Maintain Healthy Teeth

At Grinnell Street Dental, we help patients through in-office care and guidance on smart oral health habits. To find out more, you can reach our Sheridan, WY dentist’s office at 307-672-7567.