It’s time to find out how your daily oral health routine actually measures up.

You wouldn’t wash only one side of your face so why would you leave areas of your mouth untouched? Well, this is what happens if you don’t floss. Even if you brush your teeth, this isn’t enough to get in those spaces between teeth and along parts of the gum line. If you don’t floss every day, you allow plaque to build up and potentially lead to decay or gum disease. Our Waterford, MI, dentist Dr. Glen Marsack is here to give you tips on how to improve your oral hygiene.

Brushing and Flossing Go Together

To be honest, you really can’t have one element without the other and assume that you are giving your teeth the comprehensive clean they need. Remember, decay doesn’t just form on the front, back and chewing surfaces of teeth; it also forms between teeth. This is why flossing is absolutely necessary. All it takes is once a day to remove plaque and food from between teeth.

Don’t Brush too Hard

This is a bad habit that some people have. Yes, that’s right. You can actually brush too hard. We are happy that you want to really get in there and diligently clean your smile but brushing too forcefully can actually wear away enamel and lead to weaker teeth over time.

Always be gentle when it comes to brushing and if you find that you can’t seem to stop that heavy hand then you may want to opt for an electronic toothbrush, which applies the appropriate amount of force so that you can focus on really getting into all those areas of your smile for a thorough clean.

Don’t Use Teeth as Tools

We know how easy it can be to use your teeth to tear off a jagged finger nail or to open some plastic packaging, but if you want to keep your teeth looking their best then our Waterford, MI, general dentist will tell you to save your teeth for eating and speaking and that’s it. Leave the nail trimming and bottle-cap opening to the appropriate tools. After all, using your teeth in this manner could result in cracks, chips and fractures.

Avoid Soft Drinks

Soft drinks can really destroy your smile. If you are a soda addict this can increase your chances for decay. Sugar is a common cause of cavities, and sodas are often riddled with sugar. Think diet soda is safe? Think again; even if there aren’t sugars present the different acids in sodas (even diet) can wear away at enamel and lead to decay.

When was the last time you visited the dentist? If you can’t remember then chances are good that it’s high time you did. Call Crescent Lake Dental in Waterford, MI, today to schedule a routine checkup with us or to learn about the services we offer.