The Importance of Proper At-Home Oral Care

Regular visits to your dentists, Drs. Michael O'Donnell, Courtney Wright, and Chris Farrugia of Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics in DeFuniak Springs and Santa Rosa Beach, FL, are just one aspect of good oral health. Your oral hygiene regimen also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy smile.

Do you follow these oral hygiene recommendations?

These steps can help you prevent cavities and gum disease:

  • Start and End the Day by Removing Plaque: Plaque is a sticky, transparent film that causes cavities to build on your teeth while you sleep. Brushing first thing in the morning removes plaque and freshens your breath. Your nightly brushing session gets rid of plaque that builds up during the day.
  • Floss Once a Day: In an American Dental Association (ADA)Survey, only 16 percent of people reported flossing once a day. If you only floss occasionally, plaque accumulates between teeth, where it can soon cause tooth decay. Eliminating plaque also helps you avoid tartar buildup on your teeth. The hard brownish substance develops if plaque remains on your teeth too long. Unlike plaque, tartar can only be removed during dental cleanings at the Santa Rosa Beach and DeFuniak dental offices.
  • Use the Best Tools: Participants in the ADA survey reported using fingernails, paper, utensils, safety pins and even strands of hair to try to remove food stuck between teeth. At best, these methods are inefficient, and at worst, they may damage your teeth and gums. Packaged dental floss or water-powered flossers help you clean your teeth safely. When you shop for toothbrushes, look for soft bristles and toothbrush heads that fit in your mouth comfortably.
  • Make Checkups a Priority: Dental cleanings get rid of tartar and hard-to-reach plaque. Without them, your risk of cavities and gum disease rises. Twice-yearly dental visits also allow your dentist to detect spot signs of trouble in your mouth and offer prompt treatment of oral health issues.

Maintain your sparkling smile with good oral hygiene and checkups with your dentists in DeFuniak Springs and Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Drs. O'Donnell, Wright, and Farrugia. Schedule an appointment with Great Florida Smiles and Orthodontics by calling (850) 622-5888 for the Santa Rosa Beach office or (850) 892-2500 for the DeFuniak Springs office.

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Santa Rosa Beach, FL Dentist

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DeFuniak Springs, FL Dentist

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