Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is not a difficult process, but it does require diligence on your part, as well as regular professional maintenance. While brushing and flossing your teeth are essential, simply running your brush across your teeth and flossing only when you feel something between your teeth will not prove very effective at preventing dental diseases. To help you get the most out of your daily hygiene routine, Austin general dentist, Dr. Van Wicklen, offers these tips for keeping your smile healthy.
A Little Diligence Goes a Long Way
- The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once, preferably before bedtime to keep your mouth clean while you sleep. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush with the ADA seal of approval on its packaging.
- Gently brush every surface of every tooth to thoroughly remove bacterial plaque buildup. If you scrub too harshly, plaque may not be the only thing you remove; you can scrape the enamel right off of your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to tooth decay.
- Don’t forget your tongue! The bacteria that are responsible for bad breath tend to collect on the surface of your tongue. Use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to scrape food debris and bacteria from your tongue when you brush and floss your teeth.
- Even if you diligently adhere to your daily hygiene schedule, your healthy smile depends on regular dental checkups and cleanings. When plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth for more than 48 hours, it hardens into tartar, which is insoluble and impervious to your toothbrush and floss. Our talented hygienists will thoroughly remove traces of plaque and tartar from your teeth and below your gum line to prevent the onset of dental disease.
General Dentistry in Austin
To learn more about maintaining the health of your smile, or to attend a dental checkup and cleaning, speak with your Austin general dentist as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Van Wicklen by calling 512-448-3131. Located in the 78704 area, we proudly serve the cities of Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Bastrop, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and all surrounding communities.