Many patients visit our Plano, TX dentist office looking to learn more about how they can continue to take good care of their smiles. There are many things you can do at home, outside of the dentist’s office, to care for your smile. Here are our three best suggestions for improving your dental health:
Brush & Floss
Your at-home oral hygiene routine is your smile’s first line of defense when it comes to protecting your smile from harmful dental concerns. Dental concerns like gum disease and tooth decay can usually be prevented by more proactive preventative care. While some days are busier than others, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. We recommend brushing and flossing once in the morning and once before bed. Throughout the day, you can rinse your mouth out with water or chew on sugar-free gum to prevent residues from sticking to your dental structures. It’s important that you take care of your smile on a daily basis to maintain lifelong oral health and wellness.
Reconsider Your Diet
Your diet directly impacts your dental health. When you are eating a lot of sticky or sugary foods, you are more likely to develop plaque and tartar. Plaque and tartar are hardened food residues that allow bacteria to cling to your dental structures. This buildup, if left untreated, can develop into early-stage gum disease, causing your soft tissues to bleed or become discolored. By making better dietary choices, you will decrease your risk for certain dental concerns. Foods and beverages like candy, soda, and potato chips are notoriously tough on your smile. Instead of those snacks, consider some smile-friendly alternatives. We recommend string cheese, fruit smoothies, and carrot sticks to munch on throughout the day.
Address Dental Concerns Early
One of the best things that you can do for your smile is to address dental concerns early. As soon as you notice something is off about your smile, it is best to give your dentist a call. We would rather our patients be safe rather than sorry when it comes to dental concerns. The thing to know about dental concerns is that they often only get worse over time. Additionally, if you experience a toothache that eventually stops hurting, the underlying cause of your toothache is still there. Our Plano, TX dentist office takes a proactive approach to your dental care. We are here to help you address minor issues within your smile before they develop into major concerns. The sooner you see a dentist about your dental concerns, the more likely we will be able to treat them using conservative measures.
Looking for a dentist in Plano, TX?
For over 25 years, Dr. Mark Sowell has served patients throughout the North Dallas area with comprehensive general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry treatments. What sets Dr. Sowell apart from other dentists in Plano is his passion for excellence and attention to patients. If you would like to see what our office can do for your smile, please schedule an appointment online. We look forward to seeing you soon.