Ever since our early years, we have been reminded routinely about the importance of good oral hygiene habits. This includes flossing and brushing the teeth, as well as routine visits to the dental hygienist for deep cleaning and evaluation. But did you ever think about the benefits of good dental hygiene beyond cavities and gum disease? La Mesa, California, area dentists at Summit Dental of La Mesa encourage patients to consider another unknown fact of proper care: fewer visits to the dentist and fewer expensive treatments.

What happens when patients have poor oral hygiene?

Drs. Richard Evans and Christine Allen strongly advise patients to pay close attention to their dental health at all times. Not only does this include brushing and flossing after meals and at the start and end of each day but visiting the dentist every six months as advised by the American Dental Association. If patients do not care for their smile, they may experience significant tooth decay or the development of periodontal disease—an inflammatory condition that cannot be cured, only controlled. With the help of a dedicated dental team, most patients can get the education and information they need to protect their smile from damage—and reduce the risk of expensive dental services and irreversible damage down the road.

What should I do to keep my smile healthy?

Below are a few tips to maintaining a healthy smile:

  • Brush after every meal
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Visit the dentist every six months
  • Call the dentist as soon as problems arise
  • Maintain a healthy diet low in sugars and acidic foods and beverages
  • Change your toothbrush every three months or after illnesses

Learn more about building good oral hygiene habits

If you are interested in discussing your oral hygiene habits, including flossing and brushing teeth, with a professional in La Mesa, California, we urge you to book an appointment with our team at Summit Dental of La Mesa. We are committed to helping patients with a wide range of dental concerns, including preventive care, to keep cavities and disease at bay. Drs. Richard Evans and Christine Allen can be reached at (619) 494-2492 at their office, conveniently located at 8530 La Mesa Boulevard, Suite #204.