Keeping up With Good Oral Care at Home

Visiting your Germantown, TN, dentists, Drs. Charlyn Wilson and Nishel Patel, for preventive dentistry services help you keep your smile healthy. In between checkups, following these recommendations will lower your risk of oral health issues.

Don't forget to brush

Do you ever find yourself falling asleep before you've had a chance to brush your teeth? When you miss a brushing session, plaque builds up on your teeth, increasing your risk of cavities. Brushing in the morning and evening is the best way to prevent plaque from accumulating. If you tend to drift off when you're watching TV, it might be a good idea to brush a little earlier than usual.

Extend your brushing time

The longer you brush, the better for your teeth. If you pride yourself on your speedy brushing technique, you may be leaving plaque behind. Brushing for at least two minutes is the best approach, the American Dental Association.

Replace your brush often

Both manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrush heads need to be replaced every three months or as soon as the bristles begin to look frayed. You should also replace your brush after you've been sick to prevent reinfecting yourself. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, as harder bristles can erode your tooth enamel.

Make time for flossing

Brushing your teeth only gets rid of some of the plaque on your teeth. The sticky substance remains in the tight spaces between teeth unless you floss daily. Unfortunately, remembering to floss is a problem for many people. Only 16 percent of people surveyed by Waterpik reported flossing every day. If you're one of the 84 percent who doesn't floss every day, schedule a reminder on your phone, or go old school and post a note by the bathroom sink.

Schedule checkups

Visiting the dentist every six months is an excellent way to maintain your oral health. During a visit to the Germantown dental office, you'll receive a checkup, an oral cancer screening and a dental cleaning. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar and make your smile sparkle. Should the dentist notice cavities or other oral health issues during your exam, she can recommend a treatment. Prompt treatment will prevent small cavities or minor issues from becoming major problems.

Preventive dentistry keeps your smile strong and healthy. Call your dentists in Germantown, TN, Drs. Wilson and Patel, at (901) 751-1100 to schedule an appointment.