Want to prevent decay and gum disease from happening to you? Find out how.

Caring for your smile and maintaining healthy teeth and gums doesn’t have to be impossible. There are so many little steps you can take every day to prevent cavities and gum disease from befalling your smile. Of course, we know that sometimes it can feel like you aren’t doing enough for your oral health. Our Shelton, CT, family dentists Dr. Michael Caserta and Dr. Adrian Basu are here to put your oral hygiene to the test.

Here are some tips to follow for preserving your oral health:

Brush Twice a Day

Brushing your teeth is a habit that should have been instilled in your since childhood. In order to keep teeth thoroughly clean, it’s important that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and then again in the evening. This is one of the best ways to prevent plaque and food from sticking to the front or back surfaces of your teeth.

Flossing Daily

While brushing is a great way to keep your teeth clean it’s not the only thing you should incorporate into your at-home oral care routine. If you want to dislodge food and plaque from between teeth, only floss will successfully be able to do this. Floss once a day right before bedtime to ensure that plaque and food doesn’t sit on teeth while you sleep.

Know When to Replace Your Toothbrush

A toothbrush head is not designed to last forever. So, when should you ditch your toothbrush and replace it with a new one? The shape of your tooth’s bristles will tell you all you need to know. If the bristles are frayed and looking a bit rough then they are probably also a bit too rough for your teeth. Expect to replace your toothbrush about every three to four months.

Get Professional Dental Cleanings Twice a Year

Even the very best at-home care will never be able to take the place of professional cleanings. Coming in twice a year to visit our Shelton, CT, dentists ensure that not only do we remove plaque and tartar buildup to get teeth and gums completely clean but that we also are able to pinpoint issues when they are smaller and much simpler to treat. No matter how healthy you are, everyone can benefit from coming in twice a year for preventive dental care.

Whether you have questions about maintaining a healthy smile or you need to schedule your routine cleaning, don’t hesitate to reach out and call the dental team at Dental Associates of Shelton. Here in Shelton, CT, we believe that dental care should be available to everyone. Schedule an appointment with us today.