Your Castle Hill and Hill District dentist advice: Brushing, flossing and going to the dentist

So how you can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and all these major health problems? Taking a proactive approach to your dental health!

• What is a proactive approach? It’s the practice of developing healthy dental habits to avoid issues in the first place.

• Take a look below for a guide to maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing problems.

• Brush twice a day

•  Plaque begins to build up on your teeth just 20 minutes after eating. Brushing your teeth is very important for keeping this sticky, bacteria-filled substance from accumulating and hardening into tartar.

• Tartar is very difficult to remove, so twice-a-day brushing is important for keeping this substance from forming in the first place.

• Don’t forget to floss.

• Did you know: Flossing daily adds an estimated 6.4 years to your life!

• Flossing allows you to reach between your teeth to areas you can’t clean with just a toothbrush. Food and plaque often become trapped between your teeth, fueling bacteria and inflammation, so taking time to floss is critical to preventing decay and gum disease.

• Visit the dentist every 6-months

• Regular exams and cleanings are critical to a proactive approach to dental care. We recommend most patients come to see us every 6 months. However, if you’re at high risk for dental problems like gum disease or decay, I may suggest more frequent cleanings.

• Not only are regular appointments the best way to identify and stop any potential problems, but they’re also a great opportunity to ask questions and address any of your concerns.

• These visits help us develop a good relationship. And a strong doctor-patient relationship allows for a more personalized approach to your care and the best results.

• Another important point: If something hurts or you notice a change in your health, don’t wait to get help. Contact your dentist immediately. It could help you catch and stop a serious problem in its tracks.

• Eat foods that are good for your teeth and gums.

•  Avoid too many foods high in sugar, carbs, acidity, and staining properties .