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A beautiful smile can do wonders for your self-esteem. It can boost your confidence and make you feel good about yourself. Here are a few oral care practices that help maintain a good, healthy smile.  

• Brushing and flossing

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is essential. You should brush your teeth after every meal and snack, as well as in the morning before you head to work or school. This will help you prevent plaque from building up between brushings. Plaque can eventually harden into tartar, causing tooth decay or gum disease. If you struggle to remember to brush twice a day, try setting a timer on your phone to help you stay on track.

You should also floss daily to remove the built-up plaque between your teeth and gums. Flossing also helps prevent cavities in between teeth too! Consider using a waxed or unwaxed floss and wrapping it around each of your middle fingers so you can grip the floss more easily and easily reach between each of your teeth. Once your top and bottom teeth touch each other, you should slide the floss gently up and down to scrape away any leftover food or debris that’s trapped there. Be sure to rinse your mouth out with mouthwash or water after you finish flossing to remove any extra food particles left behind. 

• Tongue-scraping

Don’t neglect your tongue when it comes to taking care of your teeth! Your tongue can be home to a lot of bacteria, so keeping it clean and healthy is important. You can brush your tongue with your toothbrush, or a scraper made just for this task. You can also use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently clean the surface of your tongue. A tongue scraper is more thorough than brushing and flossing alone, but it can take some getting used to. 

• Get dental sealants

Dental sealants are thin coatings made of plastic that are placed on teeth to protect them from decay and cavities. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel and preventing bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Sealants can be applied for children or adults and typically last at least one year. The American Dental Association recommends children and adults receive dental sealants. We would be happy to discuss the benefits of dental sealants with you at your next visit!

• Regular dental cleanings

A healthy smile requires regular attention and maintenance, and a routine checkup and cleaning every six months is an important step to maintaining good oral health. During your appointment, our team will clean your teeth, remove any plaque buildup, and check for any other problems that may need treatment. We will also screen for oral cancer and examine your gums for any signs of gingivitis or other gum diseases. If it’s been a while since your last appointment, it’s time to get back on track toward better dental health! 

To find out more about good oral care habits, call 704-483-1870 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 298 N. Hwy 16 Suite E, Denver, NC 28037.