Developing A Good Oral Care Routine

Consistency is the key to any good routine and oral hygiene is no exception. The more thoroughly you clean your teeth and mouth, the less likely you'll develop tooth decay or gum disease. Your Lynchburg, VA, dentist, Dr. Kevin Midkiff, helps you care for your smile with checkups and other dental treatments and services.

Daily brushing is the foundation of a good oral care routine

Brushing your teeth removes plaque, the sticky film that causes tooth decay. Although it might seem like a toothbrush with medium bristles might do a better job than a soft brush, that's not the case. In fact, harder bristles can damage tooth enamel and gums.

Since plaque is transparent, it's impossible to tell if you did a good job simply by looking at your teeth. If you don't brush for at least two minutes twice a day, plaque can remain on your teeth. In just over a week's time, plaque becomes tartar, a hard deposit that can be a factor in gum disease.

When you brush, divide your mouth into four equal sections and spend 30 seconds brushing each area. Don't forget to brush the backs of teeth and the sides of the molars at the back of your mouth.

Use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste every time you brush. Fluoride rebuilds weak areas of tooth enamel, reducing your risk of cavities. Toothpaste that contains fluoride features the American Dental Association seal on the package.

Flossing is a must

Many Americans are apathetic about flossing. Although they may do it occasionally, it's not part of their daily oral hygiene routine. Unfortunately, failing to floss every day increases your risk of both cavities and gum disease.

Brushing removes plaque on visible tooth surfaces, but toothbrush bristles can't reach the areas between teeth. Flossing, whether you prefer buying a package of floss from a Lynchburg store or using a power flosser, is the only way to get rid of plaque between teeth.

Dental checkups help you maintain good oral health

Do you visit the dentist every six months? During your checkups, your dentist looks for signs of cavities, gum disease, cancer and oral health issues. The visits also include dental cleanings that remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.

Protect your smile with regular visits to your dentist in Lynchburg, VA, Dr. Midkiff. Call him at (434) 239-8133 to schedule an appointment.