You brush your teeth twice a day, and that’s excellent! Brushing rids your mouth of much of the plaque and bacteria that accumulate there throughout the day; it is a habit that plays a big role in preventing cavities, freshen your breath, and fight gum disease. But if you truly want to protect your smile from such problems, you need to do more than just brush your teeth. Here are some guidelines from a dentist near Chagrin Falls to help you maintain the best oral health possible.
At-Home Care
A good at-home oral hygiene routine is the foundation of a sound smile. In addition to brushing, you should:
- Floss daily. Floss can remove plaque and food particles from the tight spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. If you have a dental bridge, don’t forget to floss the area beneath your artificial tooth.
- Use a mouth rinse. Some mouth rinses are purely cosmetic (they simply freshen breath or remove surface stains), whereas others have more tangible oral health benefits, such as tartar prevention. The one that is best for you depends on your circumstances; your dental hygienist may be able to offer product recommendations.
- Drink plenty of water. Sipping water throughout the day can rinse your mouth and encourage saliva production. Drinking water is especially important if you tend to snack on sugary, sticky, or starchy foods, which can cling to your teeth.
Visit Your Dentist
When was the last time your family visited your general and children’s dentist near Chagrin Falls for a checkup? Even if you do your best to take good care of your teeth and gums at home, you still need a professional’s help to maintain excellent oral health because:
- Professional cleanings rid your teeth of tartar, which a regular toothbrush can’t remove from your teeth.
- Your hygienist can give you personalized tips on how to care for your teeth at home. For example, they might notice that you routinely forget to brush a certain area of your mouth. Or, they can coach you on proper flossing technique.
- Diagnostic X-rays, along with your dentist’s trained eye, can spot any problems well before you notice them. Thus, you can receive prompt treatment and spare yourself from extensive and expensive dental work later on.
You can benefit the most from your dental team’s expertise if you schedule an appointment with them every six months or so. If you’re struggling with an ongoing oral health problem, such as gum disease, more frequent appointments may be necessary.
Your toothbrush is one of your best friends in the fight against dental problems, but it can’t protect your mouth all on its own. A good daily oral hygiene routine, along with your dentist’s expert care, are also essential if you want your smile to be at its very best.
About Our Practice
Drs. Maryana Horokhivska and Vladimir Pastouk are the two talented dentists in our office. They are proud to provide preventive and restorative services for entire families. If you want to take your oral care routine to the next level, they’ll be happy to help you. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our practice, contact us at 216-292-3600.