Brushing and flossing are fundamental to good oral health, but they are not the only steps necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing are very important. They remove food particles and plaque and help prevent gum disease. However, they are only meant to keep your mouth healthy. They don’t replace the need for professional dental cleanings.

Healthy Habits

In addition to brushing and flossing, there are habits you can adopt to keep your mouth clean, such as:

• Rinse your mouth with water after drinking beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine.
• Eat crunchy vegetables and hard cheeses.
• Chew sugar-free gum.
• Avoid sugared drinks like sodas and fruit juices.
• Limit acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes.

Preventive Dentistry and Services

Preventive dentistry is the foundation of a healthy smile. However, with today’s busy lifestyles, many people forget or neglect their oral care. Brushing and flossing are the only two preventive dentistry treatments that patients perform at home. That being said, it’s important to brush and floss properly in order to avoid tooth decay. There are some dental services apart from an at-home hygiene routine to take care of your oral health.

Plaque Removal

Plaque is sticky and when it builds up on your teeth, brushing and flossing alone are not enough to remove it. Plaque is made up of bacteria that feed on sugar and starches in the foods you eat. Schedule dental appointments every six months to avoid plaque buildup and bacteria.

Fluoride

At home, you should brush your teeth twice per day. Sometimes this isn’t enough. You should visit your dentist for a cleaning every six months.

While brushing and flossing are essential, the most important aspect of keeping your smile healthy is fluoride treatments. Fluoride is an element that helps teeth resist decay. It’s naturally found in water and many foods. It’s also added to most toothpaste and mouthwash.

Dental Sealants

Even with good brushing and flossing on a daily basis, you may still miss those pits and grooves on your teeth. The food particles and bacteria can still become trapped in them, which may, over time, lead to tooth decay. So, to prevent that, you can get dental sealants to seal those pits and grooves.

For more tips and comprehensive dental care, visit Uptown Smiles at 601 NW 23rd St Suite #200, Oklahoma City, OK 73103. Call us at (405) 702-7766 for appointments.