Are you ready to find out how your oral care routine is measuring up?
Most people would probably agree that a healthy mouth is important; however, are you actually doing everything possible to make sure that your teeth and gums remain healthy? Our Sebastian, FL, dentist Dr. Mark Peterson provides some useful insight into some of the best habits to adopt for a cavity-free smile.
At-Home Care
While brushing and flossing might seem like second nature at this point, it’s always a good idea to check in with your skillset to see if it needs a little sprucing. Ask yourself these questions:
- Are you brushing at least twice a day?
- When you brush, do you brush for at least two minutes?
- Do you change your toothbrush head every three months?
- Do you floss at least once a day?
If you said "yes" to all of these questions then congratulations, it truly sounds like you know how to care for your smile. If you didn’t say "yes" to the above, then it’s time to work these changes into your daily routine to protect against decay and gum disease.
Your Diet
Are you surprised to see that your diet is a factor in the health of your smile? Perhaps this doesn’t surprise you at all. After all, if what you eat impacts your body then why wouldn’t it affect your gums, bones and teeth? As you may already know, avoiding processed foods and sugar are two surefire ways to protect your teeth and to prevent cavities. Instead, sticking to healthy whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and lean meats will help give your mouth the nutrients it needs to keep working hard for you.
Regular Checkups
Most people know that they need to visit their Sebastian, FL, general dentist every six months, no matter what. While those who are prone to decay and other problems may need to come in more regularly, most healthy individuals can get away with coming in twice a year. These preventive dental cleanings are important for your long-term health. Even if you aren’t noticing symptoms you could still be dealing with issues that you don’t even recognize. Fortunately, your dentist is equipped to monitor and handle these issues as they arise to prevent them from getting worse.
Do you have questions about how to care for your smile? Do you need to schedule your six-month cleaning? Then call Sebastian River Dentistry in Sebastian, FL, today to handle all of your dental needs.