Are you a patient who brushes and flosses and then wonders why cavities still occur? Perhaps you think to yourself, “I’ve been to the dentist and gotten a cleaning – why am I having such trouble?” The good thing here is that you are aware of the factors that contribute to effective preventive care – you need to brush, floss, and visit us. However, if you’re not performing these tasks according to our recommendations for a healthy smile, chances are good your efforts are leading to poor results. Allow us to offer some reasons why, so you can whip your habits into shape.
Reason #1: You’re Lacking Consistency
Brushing your teeth and flossing are both extremely effective in the fight against tooth decay and gum disease. However, if you are not consistent with these efforts, you will find that your preventive care simply will not pay off. Missing even a single day of brushing can lead to plaque that hardens into tartar (which you cannot remove on your own). A little bit of tartar buildup can go a long way in damaging your oral health.
Reason #2: You’ve Been Cutting Corners
Have you been making some decisions that seem like shortcuts but that you are now thinking might not be so great for your preventive care? Perhaps you choose to swish with mouthwash at night rather than brush your teeth when you feel too tired. Maybe you use a hard-bristle toothbrush when it’s on sale even though you know soft bristles are the best choice. Cutting corners can lead to complications – follow our suggestions for your best oral health.
Reason #3: You’re Skipping Visits
About that tartar – even if you are consistent and avoid cutting corners, you will end up with some areas of your teeth that require professional cleaning. See us once every six months (or as we suggest) to keep your smile as healthy as possible.