There are several preventative steps you should be taking daily to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Remember that in-office treatments are important, but 90% of preventative dentistry is what you do at home. These habits include:

• Brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a natural mineral that plays a crucial role in your efforts to prevent tooth decay. Making sure to brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and brush the chewing surfaces can help prevent the most common types of cavities.
• Flossing every day. If you are only brushing, you are only getting 3 out of the 5 surfaces of your tooth. That’s 60%, hardly a passing grade! In order to prevent or impede plaque buildup, flossing is essential. And here’s a little secret, the second most common type of cavity is between your teeth.
• Replacing your toothbrush between 2 and 4 times per year, or as soon as you can see that the bristles are starting to fray.
• Following a healthy diet low in sugar and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the fuel that fans the flames of oral disease. A diet low in sugars can reduce the amount of acids your oral bacteria produce, which reduces the detrimental effects of those acids on your mouth.

Beyond great home-care habits, you need to visit a dentist for checkups and cleanings every 3-12 months depending on your unique situation. With regular exams, At Ease Dental is able to identify any problems early and treat them more efficiently and cost-effectively, ideally before they can escalate into more serious health issues.