The long-term health of your mouth has a direct bearing on your overall quality of life. While your regular attendance to your dental exam and cleaning at Thomas G. Schleicher, DDS PLC is essential, you will also need to develop a consistent oral hygiene routine. Without both of these aspects, you are at heightened risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and enamel erosion.
The American Dental Association advocates that you brush your teeth twice each day to remove plaque and food particles from the surfaces of your teeth. When brushing your teeth, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and abrasive toothpaste. Fluoride also helps keep your tooth enamel strong. Ideally, you want to brush each tooth individually in a small, circular motion rather than sawing the brush back and forth.
You should also floss your teeth each evening, ideally after you are done eating for the day. Be sure to floss along the gumline as well as behind each of your back molars. This will help remove residual food material and plaque from between your teeth as well as the gumline.
If you live in the Colonial Heights, Virginia, area and you have oral hygiene concerns, you should call 804-526-0231 to schedule a dental exam and cleaning with Dr. Tom G. Schleicher.