Many people have anxiety about having dental work done. Even if you do not have dental anxiety, you might want to avoid dental work because of the expense. Luckily there are some simple things that you can do to make sure that you never need more than a gentle cleaning.

Checkups and Cleanings

You should have a regular dental checkup and teeth cleaning every 6 to 12 months. These routine checkups allow your dentist to discover likely issues and help you prevent more expensive procedures. Your dentist will also be able to give you additional tips on how to improve your oral health so that you can continue to avoid serious problems in the future.

Daily Oral Health

It is important to have a good daily oral health routine. You should brush your teeth at least twice per day, and you should floss at least once per day. It is not enough to engage in these activities; it is important that they are done correctly. You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes, and you should floss between each of your teeth. If you have questions about proper brushing or flossing techniques, talk to your dentist during your checkup to learn the right way to do them.

Safety First

Often expensive dental work such as root canals, crowns, and fillings are due to chipped or broken teeth. Avoid extremely hard foods and candies to decrease your chance of breaking a tooth. Taking general precautions during normal activity, such as wearing a dental guard during sports, will also help you prevent damage to your teeth and mouth.

If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental checkup, or if you have questions about techniques for daily oral hygiene, contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.