Gentle Family Dentists — treating the communities of West Liberty and Muscatine, Iowa — is here to help you overcome your smile flaws, restore teeth, or even replace missing teeth. But we also understand that much of the heavy lifting comes from the patient. You can do a lot, or very little, for your smile just at home with your oral health routine and daily habits.
We have a team professional team skilled in all aspects of general dentistry. Our hygiene department is using comfortable techniques during your cleanings and exams, and we can show some great tips for how to keep your mouth clean between your dental visits. Today we have a few things to share regarding dental mistakes you might be making. These are things you can change immediately to improve the health of your teeth and gums.
Not Brushing Long Enough
Patients often choose to brush harder instead of longer. Brushing hard is unnecessary and can damage your teeth and gums. The substances you’re brushing off your teeth — plaque and harmful acids — are actually soft and easy to remove. You need to brush every corner of your mouth to ensure that you remove those harmful substances AND do this for two minutes twice a day. You can use a timer on your phone, and there are also many free dental apps on the market that help patients brush the recommended two minutes. There are apps aimed at children, too, that make a game out each brushing sessions.
Not Flossing
You’ve heard this one before, but it bears repeating. A study published by the American Dental Association found that only 4 out of 10 Americans floss their teeth regularly. That’s obviously less than 50 percent of the adult population in this country. That’s not music to a dentist’s ears. You see, floss is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease, which is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. Here is another statistic relating to floss: about 35 percent of the tooth is beneath the gum line. If you’re not flossing, you’re not cleaning a big portion of the tooth.
Avoiding the Dentist
Not going to the dentist is one of the worst things you can do. A dentist will help you monitor your dental problems or fix your issues. People often avoid the dentist for many reasons. Maybe they are afraid of what the dentist might say or see, or they simply can’t find the time for their six month cleanings. Skipping dental appointments is a huge problem, and everyone ends up at the dentist eventually. Dental problems often start small, and in some cases, you can have a problem and feel nothing. A skilled professional can treat your problem early on so it doesn’t balloon into something more serious. This saves you time and discomfort, and prevention is always to cheaper option.
Going for Teeth-Destroying Food and Drinks
A great diet can help keep your mouth healthy and cavity free. Most dairy, vegetables and fruits low in acid, are great for your teeth. But high-acid fruits and foods like tomatoes, oranges, and lemons can cause enamel erosion. And then you have foods like hard candies, sweets, and sodas filled with harmful sugars that love to break down your teeth. Our dental office offers nutritional counseling to help you maintain a diet that’s healthy for your body and teeth.
Visit Our Family Dental Office Today
Gentle Family Dentists has two convenient locations, one in West Liberty and another in Muscatine. We’re ready to care for you and your family. Give us a call at 563-288-2612 to schedule your appointment.
