Maintaining a healthy smile starts at home. Keeping regular dentist appointments based on your dentist’s recommendation is important to your dental health, but you will also need to keep a strict regimen of brushing and flossing to keep your smile strong and clean.

Brushing your teeth twice daily is crucial to maintaining your dental health. Use a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association. Brush your teeth for two-minute stretches in tooth-wide strokes, making sure you get each individual tooth. After you are done with the outer surfaces, brush the inside and tops of your teeth. After you are done brushing your teeth, brush your tongue to remove plaque and bacteria that can cause bad breath. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or when the bristles begin to fray. Floss at least once per day to eliminate buildup between your teeth. If you are not sure if you are flossing correctly, ask your dentist for a demonstration at your next appointment. Flossing will keep your gums healthy and prevent gingivitis, enamel loss and gum disease.

Make sure you are seeing your dentist at least twice per year for a dental checkup and cleaning. Early detection will keep minor issues from developing into larger problems down the line, from root canals to tooth loss. Maintaining peak dental health can affect your overall health, with heart and respiratory diseases being linked to previous dental problems.

If you are looking to have your teeth checked out, contact Lindner Dental today! We are a family dental practice that specializes in teeth of all ages. We can be reached at 603.944.9196!