Kingston TN
We get it: going to the dentist isn’t on everyone’s list of favorite things to do. One of the biggest fears is being told something is wrong and further dental work will be necessary. If there’s bad news, it’s most commonly that a tooth has some decay (a cavity) in it that will require a filling.
While a filling is a simple, pain-free procedure, it isn’t something folks look forward to. The good news is that tooth decay is entirely preventable. Today, our Kingston family dentist is sharing tips for you to enjoy a cavity-free dental appointment when you visit us every six months for your routine checkup and cleaning.
Brush and floss
These are the cornerstones of every solid oral hygiene regimen, and they’re the simplest, most effective methods to prevent tooth decay. Our family dentist in Rockwood explains that saliva and tooth surfaces harbor normal bacteria. The bacteria feed on food particles and proteins in the mouth. Without consistent oral hygiene habits, they can multiply, turning into plaque and then tartar. Tartar eventually turns into tooth decay. Brushing your teeth rids the mouth of the bacteria’s food source, and flossing is incredibly important to the process because it reaches places between the teeth that a toothbrush’s bristles don’t reach.
Choose your toothbrush wisely
Some people mistakenly believe that a hard-bristled brush will do a better job of cleaning teeth. It may surprise you to learn that our family dentist in Harriman recommends either an electric toothbrush or a soft-bristled toothbrush if you’re choosing among classic toothbrushes. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage tooth enamel and gum tissue, especially if you’re an overzealous brusher. The key to a strong oral hygiene regimen is to consistently — not harshly — brush your teeth twice a day.
Add mouthwash
If you want to boost your oral health even further, add a mouthwash approved by the American Dental Association to your routine each time you brush your teeth.
Don’t skip dental visits
No matter how strict our oral health regimen is, our mouths have places that are hard for toothbrushes (and even floss) to reach. This is why visits twice a year to your family dentist in Kingston are so important. The dentist can see what you can’t, and hygienists can clean above the gum line where your toothbrush and floss may be missing.
Family Dentist in Kingston, Harriman and Rockwood, TN
Implement these few tips from our dental team, and you’re likely to enjoy a cavity-free dental visit each and every time you visit our office in the Kingston, Harriman and Rockwood areas for your routine dental checkups. Call LakeView Dental Arts at (865) 248-2199, or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
