Preventive dental care keeps your smile healthy and functional for life. At Crescent Lake Dental in Waterford, MI, Dr. Glen Marsack wants you to avoid complex treatments such as root canals, crowns, and bridgework. Following a simple yet effective dental hygiene routine is the way to accomplish this. This entails brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash every day! Here is what you need to know about dental hygiene, according to your Waterford dentist:

The goals of oral hygiene

Surely, cleanliness, fresh breath, and shiny teeth are important. However, the real goals of good oral hygiene habits are:

1. Removal of harmful plaque and prevention of hard tartar build-up
2. Prevention of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss
3. Preservation of your existing dental work, such as crowns
4. Avoidance of in-office restorative treatments, such as root canal therapy, bridgework, crowns, and more

Your Waterford dentist wants his patients to retain good systemic health. One way to do this is by taking good care of your teeth. Unfortunately, many studies, such as those cited by the American Heart Association, show a link between periodontal problems and heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and more. So, a healthy smile means a healthy body!

 
What your oral hygiene routine should look like

Taking care of your smile doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Following these guidelines and creating good oral habits is the best way to ensure a healthy smile. Your habits should include:

• Brush your teeth and all oral tissues twice daily for two minutes. Use fluoride toothpaste, a soft brush, and brush in a gentle, circular motion.
• The ADA says floss once a day to remove plaque from hard-to-reach places such as between your back molars.
• Cut down on sugar and carbohydrates. Avoid between-meal snacks unless you are truly hungry, and increase your intake of fiber.
• Drink water, a lot of it, throughout your day. It hydrates, cleans your mouth, and boosts saliva production. Saliva is important for cleaning your teeth of debris and bacteria.
• Wear a mouth guard for sports and a bite guard to protect against damage from teeth clenching and grinding.
• Look into your mouth. Check for sores or color changes. Report any concerns to your dentist right away.
• See your Waterford dentist twice a year for a cleaning and check-up.

Visiting our office

It's one of your most beneficial habits. At your semi-annual visit, your hygienist will scale your teeth, check for signs of gum disease and oral cancer, and take X-rays when needed.

During your exam, Dr. Marsack looks for decay, periodontal problems, signs of cancer, dental bite changes, and jaw joint function. The dentist formulates a treatment plan for preventive care, restorations, such as fillings or a root canal, and cosmetic services to improve smile aesthetics--and your self-image.

And, as always, contact your Waterford dental team any time you have an oral health concern.

Schedule an appointment today

Refine your oral hygiene habits, and stick with them to achieve your best smile. For more information, call Dr. Glen Marsack at Crescent Lake Dental in Waterford, MI. We provide a wide range of services to keep you happy and healthy. Call our office to schedule an appointment at (248) 682-9331.