Regular visits to your dentists in Wheaton, IL, Drs. David Carlson and Michael Schuiling, help you keep your smile healthy. In between appointments, these six steps can help you protect your oral health:
Brush your teeth twice daily
Your toothbrush is a simple, yet effective, tool against tooth decay. Brushing your teeth removes plaque, a sticky film that causes tooth decay. Twice-daily brushing reduces plaque on your teeth and helps you keep your breath fresh.
Place toothbrush bristles on your teeth at a 45-degree angle and use gentle strokes to remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth.
Extend brushing time
You may not remove enough plaque if you're a speedy brusher. In a study that appeared in the Journal of Dental Hygiene, researchers discovered that people who only brushed their teeth for 45 seconds removed 26 percent less plaque than those who brushed for 2 minutes.
Use a soft touch
Applying too much pressure or using a harder brush can erode your tooth enamel and cause your gums to recede. Buy brushes with soft bristles, and replace your brush every three months, when the bristles show signs of wear, or after you've been sick.
Make flossing a priority
Flossing removes plaque that forms between your teeth and at the gum line. If you don't floss every day, you may be at increased risk of developing cavities between your teeth.
Removing plaque with floss also ensures that the film never turns into tartar. Plaque may transform into tartar in as little as 10 days. The hard, brown substance irritates your gums and may cause gum disease.
Choose healthy snacks
Healthy snacks are just as important for your oral health as they are for your general health. After all, the sugars in your favorite treats mix with the bacteria in plaque to create acids that destroy tooth enamel.
Fruits and vegetables fill you up without increasing your risk of tooth decay. Some healthy snacks, like apples and carrots, even act as natural tooth cleaners.
Visit your Wheaton dentists
Six-month checkups help you protect your smile and ensure that you receive prompt treatment should you develop a cavity or other oral health issue.
Safeguard your smile with regular dental checkups! Although our office is currently open for only emergency treatment, we'll begin scheduling checkups again as soon as it's safe to reopen for non-emergency care. Call your dentists in Wheaton, IL, Drs. Carlson and Schuiling, at (603) 653-9002 to schedule your appointment.