If you really want to avoid cavities this year, it’s important to start making healthy choices. That includes being smart about what you eat and drink, but also how you care for your teeth and gums on a regular basis. Seeing the preventive dentist is also crucial to prolonged oral health. Are you doing all you can to keep your teeth healthy and free of cavities?

2.    Brush and Floss Your Teeth Each Day

In addition to eating a healthy diet, another way to protect the smile is by brushing and flossing your teeth every single day. While most adults do brush their teeth at least once or twice a day, few say they floss on a daily basis as recommended by dentist. This is a shame, since flossing can help to remove more bacteria than brushing alone.

In fact, flossing is specifically designed to help remove the food particles and bacteria that can lodge between teeth, where toothbrush bristles cannot easily reach. Removing these bacteria can lead to better oral health between dental cleanings.

3. Don’t Forget to See the Dentist Regularly

Of course, no amount of healthy eating or regular dental care is a substitute for routine preventive visits. That is because professional cleanings are the only way to remove tartar buildup once it has already calcified onto the teeth. Cleanings at least twice a year are one of the best ways to prevent cavities and other dental problems.

If you are susceptible to decay because of hereditary or health issues, though, the dentist might actually recommend more frequent cleanings to help protect the teeth.

Need a Dental Cleaning?

A healthy diet and good dental hygiene can help to protect your smile, but it’s still important to see the dentist regularly for routine care. You can schedule your next dental cleaning with Gateway Dental Group in Des Moines, IA, today at (515) 244-9565.