By practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting a family dentist regularly, you can maintain a luminous smile. Below is some detailed information about oral health so you can better understand what you should and shouldn’t do to ensure a healthy mouth. 

Do:

Floss daily. 

Whereas bristles can reach the front, back, and chewing surface of each tooth, only floss can remove plaque from the sides abutting the other teeth. To floss properly, start with about five or six inches of floss. Wind it around both middle fingers, leaving one to two inches of space between them. Holding each side between the thumb and index finger, guide it between two teeth and wrap it around the side of one tooth before sliding down beneath the gumline and then back up. Repeat on every side of every tooth using a clean section of floss each time. 

Schedule regular cleanings.

Generally, it’s wise to visit your family dentist twice a year for a comprehensive exam and professional cleaning. If you have an especially high risk of certain oral health issues, such as periodontal disease, your dentist may want to see you more frequently. Otherwise, scheduling an appointment every six months should allow your dentist to identify and treat any minor issues before they evolve into major problems. 

Don’t:

Use at-home whitening products without guidance. 

Avoid using over-the-counter bleaching agents without consulting your family dentist first. These whitening solutions could contain ingredients that damage the enamel. Additionally, they may not yield the results you’re hoping for. If the discoloration is caused by anything other than minor surface stains, such products won’t work—and they could end up doing more harm than good by destroying the tooth’s protective outer layer.  

Drink sugary beverages all day long. 

Soda, energy drinks, and even fruit juice contain an incredible amount of sugar. When you drink these beverages, the sugar coats your teeth, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. If bacteria stick around long enough, they’ll eventually release acid, which eats away at the enamel forming cavities. 

If you’re due for a dental checkup, head to Drs Emery & Scuro DMD, PC in Rochester, NY. For more than 35 years, families throughout Monroe County have turned to this practice for comprehensive care. These family dentists offer a broad range of services, from sleep apnea treatment to laser gum therapy. To make an appointment, call (585) 247-7110 or visit them online to browse their services.