How Important Is Regular Teeth Cleaning?

girl brushing her teeth

What if we told you that there’s a cheap and easy hack that anyone can do to prevent many common oral health problems? Here’s a hint: it requires just a few minutes in the morning and at night but can save you tons of time and money at the dentist’s office. If you haven’t guessed yet, we’re referring to a good oral hygiene routine at home that involves brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing each day.

Why Should I Brush My Teeth?

Brushing your teeth gently cleans teeth and removes leftover food particles that can attract bacteria and acid. For maximum benefits, you should brush your teeth twice each day for two minutes each time. You should use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush each tooth in your mouth. Brushing vigorously or rushing through brushing can actually have a negative impact: it can damage your tooth enamel, and irritate your gums. Take your time for an effective clean — your pearly whites will thank you!

What About Flossing?

If you’re brushing without flossing, you’re not getting the full benefit of an at-home oral hygiene routine! You can think of it like rushing to your car in a rainstorm only to leave the windows down while you drive — sure, you get some of the benefit, but there’s still an opportunity for water (bacteria) to get in! Flossing can clean those hard-to-reach areas of your mouth where bacteria love to lurk. If you’re pregnant, flossing is even more important: pregnant women are more susceptible to developing gum disease, but flossing is an effective way to maintain gum health.

Routine Dental Appointments

In addition to brushing and flossing at home, it’s important to keep up with your regular cleanings at our office. This allows Dr. Ernst and our team to keep an eye on your oral health as well as treat any potential problems before they become more serious conditions. To ask our team any questions or to schedule your next appointment, call our office today!

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