Good Oral Hygiene HabitKeeping good habits to benefit your smile is an important aspect of your oral health. Knowing which oral care routine is best for you can help you keep your teeth free from teeth decay and gum disease. Are you keeping good oral hygiene habits? Find out more about keeping your teeth healthy with a good oral hygiene routine with Dr. Todd Brower at Ottawa Smiles Dental in Holland, MI.

Am I keeping good oral hygiene habits? 
To ensure the health of your smile, the American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Use a soft toothbrush and short, back-and-forth motions to scrub the front and back of every tooth, including the backside of your last molar. Floss between each tooth and reach the floss all the way up the tooth under the gums to remove any trapped plaque or tartar. Your at-home oral care routine is crucial to your oral health, but only half of what the ADA considers a strong oral hygiene routine. In addition to brushing and flossing, you should also see your dentist regularly.

How often should I see my dentist? 
The ADA recommends seeing your dentist at least twice a year. Depending on your dental situation and condition, you may need to see your dentist even more often for examinations or treatments. These biannual examinations and cleanings give your dentist the opportunity to inspect all your teeth and oral tissues to find and treat issues like cavities or gum disease early, using the least invasive procedures possible. If left untreated, these issues can advance into much more serious conditions, leaving your dentist with no choice but to use more invasive measures to repair your smile. Additionally, routine cleanings remove any built-up plaque and tartar in the areas your toothbrush’s bristles simply cannot reach. This process gives you a clean smile and stops teeth decay in its track.

Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits in Holland, MI
For more information on keeping your teeth healthy and clean, please contact Dr. Todd Brower at Ottawa Smiles Dental in Holland, MI. Call (616) 399-3600 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Brower today!