Do you want to improve your dental health, but don’t know where to start? Has it been a while since you’ve sat in the dental chair? If so, we have the tips you need to restore your dental health and your peace of mind. Dr. Petkevis is your local dentist in Chester Springs, PA. Here are his three best tips for improving your dental health in a timely manner:

Brush & Floss

Adhering to a strict at-home oral hygiene routine will greatly benefit your dental health. Brushing once at night and once in the mornings will help reduce the amount of food residue and bacteria living on your dental structures. In addition to brushing and flossing, you can also chew sugar-free gum throughout the day after eating mid-day meals and snacks. Rinsing your mouth out with water is an additional oral hygiene habit that you can practice daily when brushing and flossing are not as convenient. These tips will keep your breath fresh in addition to helping dislodged any food particles stuck between your teeth. When there is too much food residue or bacteria on your teeth, this can cause problems over time and lead to concerns like dental decay, gum disease, or tooth discoloration. By keeping your oral hygiene top-of-mind throughout the day, even as you get busy, you will be helping yourself avoid unwanted dental concerns.

Reconsider Your Diet

The foods and beverages that you consume on a daily basis have the most impact on your dental health. Remember that your mouth is the main entryway into your body, so keeping your smile healthy will also help keep you healthy in the long run. Some foods and beverages cause more harm to your smile than others. For example, foods like candy or potato chips leave sticky residues on your teeth that are hard to remove even if you have a solid oral hygiene routine. Candies and chips are usually chewy or crunchy, making them more likely to get stuck in the in-between spaces of your teeth. Practicing moderation with these snacks will help reduce the amount of harm they do to your smile. Additionally, remember that many common beverages like tea, coffee, and red wine can stain your teeth if consumed too much over time. Drinking these beverages through a straw will reduce the amount of contact they have with your actual dental structures, and prevent discoloration.

Schedule A Dental Cleaning

Dr. Petkevis encourages his patients to schedule routine dental cleanings once every six months. During a dental cleaning, any plaque or tartar will be removed from your gum line to prevent common dental concerns like tooth decay and gum disease. Your dental cleaning will also include a thorough dental exam performed by Dr. Petkevis. He will inform you of any issues that he notices during your appointment, and offer treatment options to restore your smile. If it has been over six months since the last time you’ve sat in the dental chair, the best thing you can do for your smile is to schedule an oral health and wellness visit with your Chester Springs dentist. We invite you to join the Dental Distinction family and schedule an appointment with us online.