Don’t let a missed appointment affect your daily dental hygiene routine. If you’ve had your regularly scheduled checkup for a cleaning canceled due to the American Dental Association (ADA) and CDC asking all dental offices to stop non-urgent visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still steps you can take to keep teeth clean.
Poor dental hygiene not only causes tooth loss and bad breath, it also affects your heart health and is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. Minimize your chances of developing gingivitis, cavities or losing teeth. Get off on the right foot with oral health by springing into an improved dental hygiene routine.
Eliminate Smoking and Sweets
It’s no surprise to most that smoking and sugary treats can be damaging to your teeth. Smoking or vaping dries the mouth, and can lead to bacterial growth on teeth that inflames and irritates gums, often leading to periodontal disease. Teeth and gums are also affected by sugary foods and drinks, and are the leading cause of cavities. Once these oral habits are eliminated, you’ll see a significant difference in taste as well as overall oral health and well-being. Plus, you’ll minimize the negative impact each has on weakening tooth enamel and gum tissue.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Plaque builds up on teeth over time. As plaque hardens into calculus or tartar, it becomes more difficult to remove. A professional teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist will remove plaque or tartar. Schedule regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings every six months for improved oral health and dental hygiene.
Brush, Floss, Rinse…Repeat
Brush teeth a minimum of twice per day for two minutes. Once in the morning and once before going to sleep at night. For a brighter smile and healthier teeth and gums, add flossing and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to your dental hygiene routine. While antimicrobial mouthwash can kill the bacteria that forms plaque, it cannot remove stubborn bits of foods and tartar between teeth. Flossing is an essential step for improved oral hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once daily to help remove plaque hiding in areas your toothbrush cannot reach, including between teeth.
Three Rivers Dental will help you with proper brushing and flossing techniques. Our staff can also help keep your oral hygiene on track with routine appointments. Call 1-855-4-No Fears to schedule an appointment for your next dental checkup with Three Rivers Dental. We are conveniently located throughout the Pittsburgh area in Greentree, Cranberry, Greensburg and Jennerstown.