Pearland Family Dentistry cares about your dental health and maintaining your oral health is easy with five basic steps that you can start today.

Regular Visits to Your Dentist 

How often should you visit a Pearland Dentist? This answer may be different for everyone. Those with periodontal problems may require visits more often than someone without these issues. Not everyone has serious problems with their oral health, so for most people, cleanings should be undertaken every 6 to 12 months. So be sure to keep all of your appointments and follow your dentist’s suggestions for regular dental hygiene.

One of the most important reasons to schedule regular visits to your family dentist in Pearland is not only to ensure proper cleanings, but also to identify problem conditions before they become worse. Most conditions can be addressed quickly if caught in time, but if they are ignored these conditions may develop in to more serious issues.
These issues can often gum disease such as gingivitis, or worse, a tooth or gum infection known as a dental abscess. These can be extremely painful, but more importantly if this type of infection is not treated properly, the infection could spread to the bloodstream causing a life-threatening situation. Corrective measures at some Houston dentists can be quite involved and costly, and may sometimes involve surgery.

Good Oral Hygiene

In addition to regular visits to your dentist, everyone should engage in some basic oral hygiene practices. It is often said that the most effective way to prevent tooth decay is to practice daily oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing. This will remove plaque that carries bacteria and stimulates your gums to keep them healthy. As plaque builds up over time, it can create tartar, which is a hardened form of plaque that is difficult to remove. The best practice is to spend at least two full minutes brushing, making sure that you brush all inside and outside surfaces of your teeth. Proper flossing will involve the insertion of floss between your teeth at each tooth to make sure any food or plaque is removed from these areas.

Use the Right Mouthwash

There are various types of mouthwash available and some are sold as cosmetic products that merely cover bad breath, while others fall into the category of therapeutic oral rinses that are designed to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Active ingredients in these oral rinse products are designed to prevent plaque buildup and gingivitis, and they are available with anti-cavity ingredients such as fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. The use of anti-bacterial ingredients also helps to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath, also known as halitosis.

Proper Flossing

Brushing alone will not clear debris, plaque and tartar from in between your teeth and this is why flossing properly is so important. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy. Proper technique when flossing involves a firm grip on the floss with your hands. This is accomplished by winding it around your middle finger on each hand, and then pinching it between your thumb and forefingers so you can pull it tight. The taught section in between your fingers should be guided between your teeth, and the floss should be used to glide and slide against the surface of each tooth to free up any debris.

Maintain a Proper Diet

The foods that you eat can contribute significantly to your overall dental health. Foods that are high in acids and sugar are both harmful to the enamel on your teeth and should be eaten in moderation. This includes candy, citrus fruits, soft drinks and even high-carb foods such as bread or crackers. Wine, tea and coffee are notorious for staining teeth so they should be taken in moderation as well. The best foods to promote overall dental health are also foods that will provide good overall health. These include fruits and vegetables as well as healthy doses of water fortified with fluoride. Dairy products are also important sources of calcium and are known to have an important role in the repair of tooth enamel.

Oral health is not only about keeping your body free of illness and infection; pride in your appearance can help your mental state as well. When you look good, you feel good and flashing a healthy smile is a great way to look your best and maintain positivity. With advancements in Pearland modern dentistry and orthodontics, almost any dental defect can be corrected today so make sure you visit your dentist in Pearland often. For a family seeking the best in dental care of Pearland, be sure to stop contact Pearland Family Dentistry today.