As part of your routine dental evaluation, you will receive a thorough cleaning of your teeth. At the end of this cleaning, you can feel confident in the health of your smile…but what can you do to make sure you maintain that confidence until your next appointment, and the one after that? Our Rochester, MN dentist’s office can talk with you about your current oral hygiene routine, and your concerns about cavities and gum disease, during every routine visit. If you currently feel that your habits might not be doing enough for you, or that you are having an unusually difficult time avoiding problems with tooth decay and gum disease, this can be a great time to reevaluate your daily routine!
1. Check How Long It Takes You To Brush
Bring a timer with you (or use the one on your phone) the next time you go to brush your teeth. Setting it for two minutes will give you the recommended time it should take you to fully clean your smile. If you feel that this feels longer than normal, or if you feel strange continuing to brush for this amount of time, you should know that this is the time it should take for you to fully clean your smile. People who do not take enough time to clean their teeth are more likely to leave plaque and tartar deposits in harder to reach areas.
2. Make Sure You Clean At Your Gum Line When Brushing And Flossing
If you want to keep a healthy smile, you need to think about more than just tooth decay – you also need to worry about your periodontal health. Every time you brush and floss your teeth, you should target your gum line. Cleaning your teeth at their bases will remove harmful bacteria before they can infect your gums. While gingivitis may not call for the placement of dental fillings or dental crowns, this condition can have serious consequences if it is not addressed in time.
3. Stay Informed About Your Oral Health By Scheduling Preventive Care
Simply put, if you want to remain confident in your oral health, you should gather feedback from your dentist during regular exams. At semiannual appointments, you will receive updates regarding the condition of your smile, warnings about potential threats, and treatment for any issues that may have developed since your last visit.
Our Rochester, MN Dentist’s Office Helps Area Families Protect Their Smiles!
Our Rochester, MN dentist’s office is prepared to help patients when they want to make sure their smiles are going to remain healthy through the years. If you have questions about your own smile, or if you want to set up care for a family member, we are ready to help! Find out more by calling Calcagno Cosmetic And Family Dentistry at (507) 281-3659.
