“Do I really need to go to the dentist every 6 months?”
We get that question all the time! Typically, most of our patients should come to us every 6 months for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning. Like any other medical condition, the healthier your teeth and gums are, the longer you can go between dentist visits. On the other hand, if you have poor oral hygiene or other concerns with your teeth, you may need to visit us more often.
Here are some tips on how to care for your teeth between dentist checkups:
- Practice good oral hygiene- The more you care for your teeth and gums, the healthier they are and the less painful dentist visits will be. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. While most people have no problems with brushing their teeth, flossing is something that is often neglected. Flossing your teeth is crucial as it gets to areas that your toothbrush can’t reach and helps keep your gums clean.
- Reduce your sugar intake- Sugar is an enemy to healthy teeth and gums. This is because it encourages the growth of oral bacteria and the build-up of plaque, which can lead to cavities and tooth decay. One way to cut down on sugar is to drink less soda. Soda has a terrible effect on your teeth; not only does it contain large amounts of sugar, but the acid in soda has a corrosive effect on tooth enamel. When you do indulge in a sweet treat, be sure to brush and floss afterwards.
- Put out those cigarettes- Smoking is not just bad for your health; it’s bad for your teeth, as well. Not only does it lead to yellowed teeth, but the ingredients in cigarettes, specifically the tar and nicotine, also corrode your gums. Smoking can also lead to tooth decay as it encourages bacteria to grow in the oral cavity. Ending your smoking habit is one of the best things you can do for your dental health.