How your dentist in Bakersfield, California can help you maintain a healthy smile
Did you know that oral care you do at home can actually make your body healthier too? It’s true. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy mouth can lower your risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and having a stroke.
Dr. Ivan Medina-Martinez in Bakersfield, California offers a wide variety of dental services, including preventive treatments like exams, x-rays, and cleanings, to help you maintain a healthy smile.
You need to develop an at-home oral care routine to eliminate plaque, as frequently and thoroughly as you can. Plaque contains millions of microscopic bacteria that produce toxic by-products. These toxins can eat through tooth enamel, causing tooth decay. They can also inflame and infect your gums and the bone that supports your teeth, causing gum and periodontal disease.
An effective at-home oral care routine should include:
Brushing after meals and before bed, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush in a gentle, circular motion, covering all surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline.
Floss every day, because it’s the only way to clean in between your teeth, where decay and disease often starts. Make sure you wrap the floss around the widest part of your tooth as you go down in between your teeth. Wrapping the floss keeps the floss firmly against the surface of your tooth, so it cleans better.
At-home care can prevent a lot of problems, but not all. That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist every six to twelve months for a dental examination and x-rays. Regular dental examinations can help keep dental issues small and easily treatable, so they don’t grow into large, complicated dental problems.
You also need to have your teeth professionally cleaned every six to twelve months to maintain the health of your gums and bone. You may need cleanings more often if you have periodontal disease.
At-home oral care can make the difference in you enjoying a healthy smile for life. To find out more about the importance of at-home oral care and preventive dental services, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Ivan Medina-Martinez in Bakersfield, California at (661) 741-0310 today!