The experienced team at New Smiles Dental in Sherwood, OR consults with patients to educate them in how to care for the teeth and gums to avoid the risks of periodontal disease and tooth decay. Taking care of the smile can reduce the consequences of poor oral hygiene and irreversible damage to the smile. Gum disease and tooth decay are the top risks and can oftentimes be avoided with proper care.
Below are some of our top tips and recommendations to achieve and maintain oral health and wellness:
- Be thorough. Don’t rush through brushing and flossing as this can leave behind a film known as plaque which can contribute to the development of tooth decay and periodontal disease. Take time to brush with fluoride toothpaste recommended and approved by the ADA, and floss between the teeth at least once a day to remove food particles from between teeth. You can also add in a mouthwash or the use of a waterpik to further clean the teeth and gums.
- Educate yourself on how your diet affects your smile. Foods that are high in sugars and acids can be damaging to natural tooth enamel and contribute to bad bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, drinking dark beverages such as red wine, coffee, and tea may result in unwanted staining of the smile. While professional teeth whitening can help in combating this issue, it is best to enjoy in moderation and brush immediately after consumption.
- Stay connected with your dentist. When you visit your dentist at New Smiles Dental as recommended for cleanings and evaluations, you are taking a more proactive approach to your oral health. Catching problems in their earliest stages improves the chance of treating quickly without further consequences. Decay and disease diagnosed in the earliest stages will not cause near the damage as decay and disease caught in the later stages, after significant damage has been done.
Schedule a visit at New Smiles Dental today!
If you live in the Sherwood, OR, area and want to talk to our providers about your oral health needs, call our office at 503-925-9595 to request an appointment.