5 Steps to a Healthy Smile from Your Dentist in Waterbury

Do you know the secret to a healthy smile? Although you may believe it only involves brushing and flossing, there is another key piece to your oral health. Besides your home oral hygiene habits, you also need to see your dentist in Waterbury at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. While brushing and flossing are the foundation to healthy teeth and gums, your smile also relies on visiting your dentist. To help you achieve and maintain your oral health goals, there are a few simple steps to follow.

1. Brush Twice a Day

Your toothbrush is your first line of defense against preventable oral health issues, like tooth decay. It is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your teeth at least twice a day. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to clean your teeth. Do not forget to brush your tongue.

2. Floss Nightly

Use a high-quality dental floss that has earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance to clean in between each tooth before going to bed. Insert the floss between two teeth and form a “C” shape around a tooth. Gently slide it to the gum line and up to the crown.

3. Get a Cleaning Every 6 Months

Even with the best oral hygiene habits at home, there are still areas in your mouth you cannot clean on your own, like below the gum line. Harmful plaque and tartar buildup in the locations, increase your risk of gum disease if they are not removed. Your dentist uses special dental tools to remove the buildup while also taking the time to suggest improvements to your oral hygiene routine to keep your smile healthy in between appointments.

4. Get a Checkup Twice a Year

Even if you do not currently have any oral health concerns, a routine checkup is vital to your smile. It allows your dentist to monitor your dental health to detect any areas of concern sooner. By treating them while they are still small, it lessens the need for a costly or invasive treatment in the future to lower your overall costs.

5. Get Annual X-Rays

X-rays allow your dentist to see your oral structures to look for issues that may be brewing beneath the surface, such as infections. The digital images provide key insight into potential concerns that can lead to big problems down the road.

Invest in a Healthy Smile Today!

Your teeth can serve you for your lifetime if you care for them properly. By creating the right foundation at home and visiting your dentist regularly, you will invest in a healthy smile.

About Waterbury Smiles

Dr. Marini and Dr. Mancini at Waterbury Smiles are committed to helping our patients reach and maintain optimal oral health using a focus on prevention. We create individualized solutions catering to your specific needs through all stages of life. If you need a cleaning and checkup, contact our office today to schedule your next visit.