At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we help our patients get healthy, strong, and beautiful smiles with preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental options. If you’re ready to meet Dr. Matthew L Bridges and his Duncan, OK, team, then request your appointment at (580) 255-4880 or online here.

While you’re waiting for your appointment, let our team answer some of your dental care FAQs. This information could help you keep your smile healthy for life!

How often should I brush and floss?

Many patients believe that dentists want us to brush and floss after every snack or meal. But, for most patients, brushing and flossing after every morsel of food isn’t time effective. Not only that, but over-brushing can wear away tooth enamel faster, which may lead to tooth sensitivity and cavities.

The American Dental Association states that twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing is enough to keep your mouth healthy between dental visits.

Should I be using mouthwash?

For many patients, mouthwash is a little-considered oral hygiene product. However, mouthwashes come in many varieties, making them a versatile and powerful tool in your dental hygiene routine.

So, while brushing and flossing are the main stars of oral care, mouthwashes can be helpful to:

• Prevent cavities
• Remineralize teeth
• Reduce odor-causing bacteria
• Moisturize dry mouths

Is my diet causing cavities and gum disease?

A staggering 6 billion bacteria call the human mouth home. While not all of these bacteria are ‘bad’, a high-sugar, acidic diet could encourage harmful bacteria to grow out of control. And, when harmful bacteria accumulate, cavities and gum disease are sure to follow.

So, if your diet consists of sugary and acidic foods, then you might notice painfully swollen gums and increased cavity rates. To promote optimal oral health, Dr. Bridges recommends a diet rich in:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Lean proteins
• Healthy fats
• Probiotic foods

Research suggests that naturally probiotic foods (like yogurt) noticeably improve the signs and symptoms of gum disease. So, if you want a healthy mouth, then eat a well-rounded diet with plenty of probiotics!

How often do I need to see a dentist?

Preventive dental care is the best dental care. Therefore, most dentists recommend routine exams and dental cleanings at least every six months. 

However, every patient is different, which means that they should plan dental visits around their own unique needs. For example, cavity-prone patients should consider scheduling dental cleanings more often than other patients. So, rather than getting dental cleanings twice a year, these patients may need them three or four times a year.

Our dentist at Chisholm Trail will gladly help you strategize and plan dental care that meets all of your needs.

Been a while? Schedule a dental cleaning now!

If you haven’t seen a dentist in at least six months, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with our dentist at Chisholm Trail Smile Center now. Patients can send our team a message here, or they may call our dental office at (580) 255-4880 to request their appointments.

The post Our Dentist at Chisholm Trail Answers Four Dental Care FAQs appeared first on Chisholm Trail.