Even if you have excellent oral hygiene and no dental problems, it’s still important to your oral health that you visit your dentist every six months. These regular visits allow your dentist to examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth to identify any problems early on so that he or she can treat you before it becomes a significant problem. Keeping routine appointments helps preserve your oral and overall health as many dental problems can lead to severe medical ailments down the line.
But seeing your dentist twice a year isn’t enough to keep your mouth healthy. You must maintain a home dental care routine. Practicing good oral hygiene at home is the single most important thing you can do for your oral health. Dr. Shawna Hoffert of Red Maple Dental, an Asheville, NC dental practice, encourages patients of all ages to maintain regular dental visits and excellent at-home oral hygiene.
The Best At-Home Oral Hygiene Regimen For Healthy Teeth Includes:
Brush your teeth twice a day
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day with an American Dental Association (ADA)-approved toothpaste and toothbrush. The ADA approval ensures the products you are using won’t be harmful to your sensitive gums and tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth regularly prevents buildup of plaque that can harden into tartar and the bacteria that feed on it.
Floss every day
Flossing daily allows you to remove plaque and bacteria from the hard to reach places that brushing cannot clean. Most tooth decay begins between teeth and beneath the gum line because people do not floss regularly. Flossing prevents bacteria from causing gum infections and tooth decay.
Rinse After Eating
Rinsing your mouth is also an important part of maintaining your oral health. Rinsing out your mouth with water between meals can help protect your teeth against build-ups of plaque. Adding a mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene regimen can help protect your teeth and gums by eliminating bacteria and reducing your risk of developing gingivitis.
When should I begin to visit Red Maple Dental?
Most dentists, including Dr. Hoffert, recommend children visit the dentist starting with their first tooth or their first birthday, whichever comes first. This helps them grow accustomed to the dentist’s office through age-appropriate cleanings. Dr. Hoffert will give you tips to care for your child’s developing teeth and help them feel comfortable with dental care.
Visiting the dentist with your child allows parents to demonstrate to their children the importance of healthy dental habits. Children who visit the dentist with a parent who is also coming for dental care are less likely to feel anxiety about dental care which builds solid foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Hoffert offers comprehensive dental care to people of all ages at Red Maple Dental. Contact our office in Asheville, NC online or by phone at (828)-358-1925 today to schedule an appointment.