How Do I Maintain Good Dental Hygiene?

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Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? With that in mind, what better time to talk about protecting smiles in Des Moines, IA from cavities and gum disease. Find out what you can do to enjoy a healthy smile!

Don’t Ignore Signs of Trouble

Often, common oral health issues lead to pain or discomfort. If you develop tooth sensitivity or toothaches that last for more than 48 hours you may need to see a dentist for a diagnosis. Sensitivity and aches could indicate tooth decay. Soreness or bleeding in the gum tissue also often point to gingivitis or gum disease. Part of maintaining good dental hygiene is being aware of the changes in your smile.

Brush and Floss Daily

In order to protect your smile, you need to practice good homecare. We suggest brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every night before bed. Each session should last at least two minutes and reach every available surface of your teeth. We also recommend flossing every night before bed, which reaches the portions of your teeth a toothbrush’s bristles simply cannot. Brushing and flossing help limit how much plaque accumulates on the surface of the teeth.

Schedule a Checkup and Dental Cleaning

In addition to home care, you should see us for a checkup and cleaning. The checkup enables our team to examine your smile and look for signs of decay, wear, and other signs of trouble. From there, we can recommend the most appropriate treatment options to stop the issue from progressing. A cleaning removes plaque from the teeth. Removing plaque buildup reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, keeping the smile healthy and bright. If you have any questions about maintaining good dental hygiene then talk to our team today.

Gateway Dental Group Offers Family Dentistry

At Gateway Dental Group, we want to help people enjoy optimal oral hygiene. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Burds and his team at Gateway Dental Group, call our office today at (515) 244-9565. Located in Des Moines, IA, we proudly welcome patients from the Des Moines area, and surrounding communities.