Dentist discussing dental x-rays with a patient.

Stomatologist showing female teeth x-ray image, cavities, periodontal disease

If you’re trying to improve aspects about your health, it can be difficult to know exactly what steps you should be taking to do so. For example, improving your diet may seem simple at first, but your body may not metabolize food in the same way as someone else, forcing you to take more time and energy to build a diet that works for you.

In contrast, maintaining long-term oral health is a relatively simple three-step process. Learn how from a dentist in Marietta!

Step One: Brushing and Flossing

Most people don’t think about this, but 363 days out of the year, you’re on your own when it comes to your oral health (assuming you’re doing everything you need to be doing.) Of course, oral hygiene only takes a few minutes out of your day, twice a day, so there’s no reason not to take the time to practice daily brushing and flossing. These steps are going to be your bread and butter for long-term oral health.

When brushing, always use a fluoridated toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes at a time, using short circular strokes to clean teeth. Make sure to reach all the surfaces of teeth, particularly the molars where food debris and plaque can easily get trapped.

When flossing, opt for a waxed or monofilament variety, especially if you have very little space in between your teeth. Pull out a strand of floss that is between 12 and 18 inches, wrapping it around your fingers for easier use. If you struggle to use traditional floss, purchase floss picks from the oral care aisle at your local grocery store.

Step Two: Routine Checkups

While most of your oral care happens at home, no amount of brushing and flossing is enough to complete your oral care alone. By coming for a routine checkup, you can confirm that you’re doing everything you need to protect your oral health in the long-term.

Additionally, you’ll be able to catch early signs of dental disease before it has the potential to cause damage. Whether it’s tooth decay or gum disease, the early signs are incredibly difficult to catch on your own. By the time you start to feel significant oral discomfort or sensitivity, chances are you’ve already developed an issue. Thankfully, routine X-rays can catch these problems quite easily.

Step Three: Routine Cleanings

Finally, every person needs to have a professional cleaning once every six months if they want to have positive long-term oral health. Cleanings work to remove harmful plaque from areas of the mouth that wouldn’t otherwise be accessible at home. Professional cleanings also work to remove tartar, also known as calculus, a calcified form of plaque that neither brushing nor flossing can remove.

With these steps in mind, it’s likely that you’ll have positive oral health for many years to come. Schedule your next appointment with a cosmetic dentist in Marietta today to get started!

Posted on behalf of Envision Dental

Related Posts

  • Dental veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells of natural-looking material that can completely redesign the appearance of your smile. This popular cosmetic treatment is an excellent way to transform cracked, chipped, stained, or gapped teeth into a flawless set of pearly whites. However, did you know that there are different types of veneers? They can be […]

  • Getting a dental implant is usually a predictable treatment, which has a success rate of over 90%. However, just like other medical procedures, there are some factors that can cause them to fail. Read on to learn more about dental implant failure, the common warning signs, and what you can do to prevent this problem […]

  • Are you over the age of 65 and/or have an underlying medical condition? If so, you are considered “at-risk” and most vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. If this information has kept your safely tucked inside your home these past few months, you may be concerned about how to move forward safely as businesses, retailers, and your […]

  • It’s nearly springtime again, and for many people that means doing a little cleaning around the house. Of the many tasks on your to-do list, you should definitely take the time to organize the bathroom counter. In particular, there are a few things that you can do while cleaning that, in the long run, will […]