Posted: May 9, 2022
May is National Dental Care Month. Do you know how to maintain optimal oral health? Now is a great time to reconsider your daily and annual oral care, and to take any steps necessary to improve and enhance those efforts to preserve and perfect your smile. Need a little help? Use the contact form on this page to schedule a consultation today.
Daily Care
It is important to brush your teeth several times a day. When you wake up, before you go to bed, and after every meal is a good start. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent enamel damage. If you have restorations, be sure to avoid toothpaste with abrasive ingredients like baking soda or charcoal.
In addition to brushing, flossing should take place twice a day. For maximum effectiveness, you should floss before you brush your teeth. This helps to remove the most plaque and bacteria. Adding this step before you brush first thing in the morning and last thing at night is a great way to prevent gum disease, halitosis, and tooth infection.
Mouthwash can kill bacteria and help to freshen breath. Some types of mouthwash, however, can also promote dry mouth, irritate sensitive oral tissue, and damage restorations. Before you add a mouthwash to your daily routine, be sure to discuss your options with Dr. Evola.
Routine Dental Visits
Daily care is essential. So too are biannual visits to our office for cleanings and examinations. Biannual cleanings allow us to remove stubborn tartar, plaque, bacteria, and particulate from underneath the gum line. This helps to prevent gum disease, tooth infection, and tooth decay.
Exams allow us to detect minor issues, like small cavities, before they become serious problems, enabling us to provide swift treatment to preserve your smile. We also check for things such as TMJ, indications of bruxism, oral cancer, and other issues during these visits.
If it has been more than six months since your last dental visit, National Dental Care Month is a great time to correct the issue. Give us a call at 716-656-8686 to schedule your next visit today!
