Did you know that the everyday choices you make could either protect your teeth or lead to cavity-causing decay and gum disease? To prevent cavities caused by tartar and plaque buildup, it is important to develop and stick to a regular oral care routine. While Dr. Shawn Reese in Cedar Falls, IA, recommends regularly scheduled dentist visits, he also encourages his patients to make the following American Dental Association-recommended habits a part of their daily practice:
- Brush your teeth daily with an appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush with a size and shape that allows you to get to all the hard-to-reach areas around your teeth. To ensure it does a good job, replace it every three to four months or even sooner if its bristles become worn out or frayed. Also, always remember to use a proper brushing technique. If you aren’t sure about this technique, just ask during your next dentist visit with Dr. Reese.
- Clean between your teeth daily with an interdental cleaner, such as floss, a dental pick, tiny brush, air-or-water-powered flosser, or wooden plaque remover. Set a time to floss that fits best in your schedule, not a time when you will be too rushed or tired and, therefore, more prone to skip this important step in your daily dental routine. Whether you choose to floss when you brush, after a meal or in the middle of the day, the most important thing is to do it each day. Interdental cleaning helps to remove plaque that can lead to tarter buildup, cavities, and gum disease. So it’s important not to skip or forget this step.
- Establish a teeth-healthy diet. A good oral care routine includes both when and what you eat. This means that you should limit snacks between meals, minimize sugary foods and drinks, and include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Even when you follow a good oral care routine, always be sure to schedule regular dentist visits with Dr. Reese, your dentist in Cedar Falls. During an appointment, he will examine your teeth and provide guidance if you need to make any adaptions to your oral care routine or brushing technique. These visits are also essential for removing tartar and plaque from areas you may have missed or that you can’t reach during your own brushing and flossing. To make an appointment with Dr. Reese, call 319-266-3393.