As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and this is especially true when it comes to your dental health! April is National Oral Health Month, a time to focus on the importance of dental cleanings and exams and dental hygiene education to keep your teeth and gums healthy and appealing.
Dental Cleaning: What to Expect
By now, you have probably already seen how dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining your best smile. When you come in for a routine dental cleaning, our dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, then polish them and give you helpful tips on how to properly care for your teeth and gums at home.
The process typically starts with a physical exam of your mouth to check for any potential issues that might be developing. Our dental hygienist will then use a scaler to remove any tartar buildup on your teeth to prevent tooth decay and gum disease from gaining traction in your mouth.
Once the tartar is removed, our hygienist will use a special toothbrush and toothpaste to polish your teeth, and then floss between them. If necessary, our hygienist will also provide you with education on how to properly floss at home.
Dental Hygiene Education: Tips for Maintaining A Healthy Smile
Along with regular dental cleanings, dental hygiene education is an essential component of maintaining good oral health. Check out these tips to help keep your teeth and gums healthy:
- Brush twice a day: Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential for getting rid of plaque and keeping cavities away. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and for an extra boost of protection, use a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily: Flossing is just as important as brushing for removing plaque and preventing gum disease. Make sure to floss between all of your teeth and along the gum line.
- Use mouthwash: Mouthwash helps destroy bacteria and keep your breath fresh. Look for a mouthwash that has fluoride if you want to keep your tooth enamel strong.
- Limit sugary foods and beverages: These typically contribute to tooth decay which is the last thing you want to be dealing with. By limiting your intake of sweetened foods and drinks, and when you do indulge, taking the time to brush your teeth afterwards can make all the difference.
- Come in for routine dental cleanings with our dentist (at least) twice a year. These preventative visits help you maintain a healthier mouth. Not only can we remove tartar buildup, but we can spot developing problems early when they are most easily and least invasively treated.
Need To Schedule a Visit? Call Today!
By following these tips and regularly attending your scheduled dental cleanings, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy for many years to come. National Oral Health Month is a great time to focus on the importance of dental cleanings and dental hygiene education.
Our dentist, Dr. Paresh Patel is happy to see you for your routine dental cleanings and exams in Frisco, Texas, so you continue to enjoy great oral health. To schedule a dental cleaning for yourself or family members we welcome you to call Family Dentistry of Frisco at (469) 362-3150 and speak with our team.
