Your overall oral health is very necessary in helping you to chew food, make different facial expressions and speak clearly. The development of gum disease, oral cancer and cavities can deeply reduce quality of life, and practicing oral hygiene daily is the foundation of excellent oral health. We are pleased to provide some recommendations on effective daily oral care habits keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
When brushing your teeth, select a soft-bristled toothbrush and abrasive fluoridated toothpaste, cleaning each individual tooth with small circular motions. This should take about two to three minutes to clean your entire smile every morning and evening.
It’s also very important to floss every day, as this practice is the only way to fully remove the bacteria that is deposited between the teeth and gum line. If you aren’t in the habit of flossing daily, you could be at risk of hardened tartar that promotes periodontal problems. If you find it very difficult to work the floss well, you may find that using a waxed dental floss is much easier as its waxy coating is more optimal for reaching the tight spaces without having to force the string into the gums. Remember to floss behind the very back teeth as well.
We encourage you to maintain your routine dental checkups with the dentist every six months to maintain optimal oral health, as this is the only way to clean away tartar and fully recognize any symptoms of cavities or gum disease. These visits also perform an oral cancer screening to ensure your mouth and throat are not at risk.
If you would like to speak with our dentist, Dr. Kimberly Fee, about your oral health in Prescott, Arizona, we invite you to call 928-778-7410 to arrange a dental checkup at our office.