Prevention is always the goal.

Sometimes, life gets so busy you can hardly see straight. You’re going through every morning in a haze, hoping you managed to put your shoes on the correct feet. When life gets chaotic, it’s important to take a step back and make sure you’re not missing out on the important things!

With most things, prevention is key. This is especially true for oral care. When things go south with your oral health, it can be an expensive, difficult journey to get back on track. That’s why you want to make sure you’ve got your preventative team assembled!

No matter how crazy life gets, be sure to keep up with your daily oral care routine and those preventative dental cleanings with your dentist. The two together create the perfect team to keep your smile happy and healthy, even when life gets chaotic.

The Role of Professional Dental Cleanings

Plaque has a way of being sneaky. Though we might brush our teeth as directed, it has a way of building up in the far reaches of our mouths. If plaque has a chance to harden, a normal tooth brushing session isn’t strong enough to remove it. That’s exactly what regular dental cleanings are there for!

Dentists have special tools like scalers to help get rid of any build-up or tartar. This packed bacteria is the perfect place for cavities to eat away at the tooth beneath, so you don’t want to let it build up for long. They will also be able to polish each tooth once they are clean. This step isn’t just for aesthetics! The polished surface is harder for tartar to adhere to!

Taking the time to go to your dental cleanings as directed (this is typically every six months, but can be different depending on your dental history) is a vital step to preventing tooth decay and halting gum disease before it has a chance to begin! So get that appointment marked on your calendar to keep it a routine part of your life.

Daily Routine: At-Home Oral Care Habits

Brushing your teeth should be a habit, one that is just as important as putting on pants before leaving the house. No matter how crazy your day-to-day life becomes, be sure to keep up with your daily oral hygiene. With luck, it will become second nature!

A proper routine includes brushing your teeth for two minutes twice each day and flossing at least once per day. When you’re brushing, don’t forget your tongue—this can help prevent bad breath.

But bad breath isn’t the only thing you’ll be preventing with this daily habit. You’ll also be whisking away that pesky bacteria and preventing gum disease and tooth decay.

Synergy in Action: Combining Professional and At-Home Care

The best way to ensure you are doing the best you possibly can for your teeth is to combine both a thorough oral hygiene routine and keep those regular dental cleanings. Though your at-home routine might be as flawless as it can be, you’ll still benefit from a professional check-up and cleaning. It never hurts to have a helping hand in taking care of your oral health.

The dentist and at-home care are the perfect match. Together, they can prevent even the slightest cavity from forming. They can stop gum disease in its tracks and prevent costly or difficult procedures in the future. So let that smile shine, knowing you are doing the best you can for your oral health.

Addressing Specific Oral Health Concerns

When you maintain consistency with both your regular dental cleanings and daily oral care, you can catch potential problems before they have a chance to really settle in. Though some symptoms might seem minor, they can build over time to create big, expensive problems. Keeping up with your at-home oral care and maintaining a regular visitation schedule with your dentist ensures it will be easier to solve any problems before they have a chance to get out of hand.

For example, if you notice staining on your teeth, you can contact your dentist to find out what options might be right for you. If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity, your dentist will easily be able to determine the cause and provide a remedy. Now, rest assured that if something is going on, your dentist will be able to spot it, even if you haven’t noticed a change!

We know life is busy!

When you have a busy schedule, it can sometimes feel like a hassle to add just one more thing to the week. But those regular dental cleanings shouldn’t be cut! Remember, it’s more than just another tooth brushing session. Your dentist is that final line of protection in preventing cavities, gum disease, and so many other problems.

We here at Orchard Dental Associates are part of your team! We’re here to help you have the best smile possible. So if you don’t have that dental cleaning on the calendar yet, head on over here to request one! It’s time to embrace the power of prevention and give yourself a happier, healthier smile!