For a number of adults, following a preventive care regimen is like second nature. You wake up, brush your teeth, head off to work, brush before bed, and you’re good, right? Not so much. In fact, a typical dental regimen is a bit more involved than just brushing your teeth, and while that is a good start, it is only a fraction of the process. Indeed, making sure to take the time to properly follow a routine – including brushing and flossing, attending dental visits, and watching your diet – is the only true method for obtaining a lifelong grin. In today’s blog, your North Hollywood, CA dentist will take an in-depth look into your routine and help you determine what extra steps you can take to better prioritize your oral health.

Don’t Skip Your Checkup

Your dental examination and cleaning serve many more purposes than just a cavity hunt. In fact, your office visit is an opportunity for your dentist to monitor your grin and ensure everything is as it should be, as well as identify things that you may want to work on to protect your teeth. For instance, your dentist will take a look at your teeth, gums, surrounding oral structures, tongue, lips, cheeks, and throats for any sign of abnormality. This includes red or white rough patches, swelling or inflammation, chips, cracks, decay, or any other potential harms or threats to your grin. Our office also recommends attending a routine visit at least once every six months, or twice a year in order to ensure healthy development as well as provide an opportunity to identify major concerns and address them in ample time before they become major. For more information about this process, contact our team today.

Be Careful What You Eat

Believe it or not, your diet actually plays a major role in the health of your teeth as well. It goes without saying that we are all aware that sugar is detrimental to the structural integrity of teeth because it causes oral bacteria to secrete harmful acids that aid in their breakdown. But what about other foods or drinks? As a matter of fact, items such as lemons, oranges, and juices typically contain high levels of acidity that aid in the breakdown or destruction of your enamel layer, the smile’s main defense mechanism. This effect can cause sensitivity when consuming hot or cold items, as well as a sense of sharp pain. By considering your diet a part of your regular preventive routine, you are able to better care for it.

Flossing Saves Lives

Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth, believe it or not, as it aids in removing lodged food particles between the teeth. The danger here is that if these particles are left, oral bacteria will swarm to them and your chances of a few of them nestling below the gum line increases, resulting in the development of periodontal disease down the line.

Schedule Your Appointment

For more information or to schedule your appointment, contact Modern Smiles in North Hollywood, CA by calling 818-763-9353 today.