The best way to avoid complications, disease, and tooth decay is by maintaining excellent oral hygiene and adhering to a strict schedule of brushing and flossing. And while many of the most important aspects of preventive dentistry can be done at home, no dental regimen is complete without frequent visits to a dental office.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regular dental visits at a frequency determined by a dentist. The frequency can depend on your individual needs and overall oral health.

At 101st Adult Dentistry, we recommend that our patients have checkups every six months. That allows us to remove plaque build-up, fully exam the mouth, teeth, and gums for signs of disease, take X-rays to rule out any potential complications, and administer a fluoride treatment to further protect the teeth.

4 Tips for Protecting Your Teeth

Although we provide a variety of dental services, it’s our goal to help our patients avoid complications and procedures beyond routine cleanings and checkups. To accomplish that, we recommend that all patients take these four steps to protect their oral health:

1. Brush Daily
The ADA says that brushing is the most important step in preventive dentistry, and we agree. It’s a simple and highly effective method of removing plaque and other build-up that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. For best results, remember to brush your tongue and to replace your toothbrush multiple times each year.

2. Floss Daily
Brushing is extremely effective, but it can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth where food particles, plaque, and bacteria can accumulate. Flossing is an extremely important step in preventive dentistry, but it must be done correctly. Our dental team can show you tips and tricks to make flossing quicker and more effective.

3. Avoid Sugary Drinks & Foods
Sugar consumption is one of the leading causes of cavities in both children and adults. Do your best to avoid drinking sugary sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks, and avoid sweets as much as possible. If you do consume sweet drinks or foods, be sure to brush your teeth soon after to remove any potential harmful build-up from the surface of your teeth.

4. See A Dentist Regularly
No matter how well you take care of your mouth, teeth, and gums, you may be unaware if you’re developing cavities, gum disease, or other oral health complications. Scheduling dental appointments every six months will help you avoid tooth decay/tooth loss and invasive procedures. And to set them up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene, children should begin seeing a dentist as early as age 3.

Looking for a Family Dental Office in Clarksville? Call 101 st Adult Dentistry

Good oral hygiene and a strict preventive dental regimen that includes brushing, flossing, avoiding sugar, and frequent dental visits not only reduces your risk of developing cavities and gum disease, but it also improves the appearance of your smile. It can even improve your overall health, as many diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer have been linked to poor oral hygiene.

Make sure you and your family get the dental care you need. Call 101 st Adult Dentistry today at (931) 906-8800 to set up an appointment with our team of dental professionals.